J LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 5 






| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 




@//*Ay, cfyedfeec./fazisu, 



attei 



THE 



AMERICAN PRACTICE 



OF 



Domestic Medicine. 



By S. F. SALTER, M. D., 

AUTHOB OF "MULTUM IN PARVO," '' WOMAN AND HER DISEASES," ''NERVOUS 

Vitality," Editor " Eclectic Star," etc., etc. 



&* 



Atlanta, Georgia, 1877. 



'tf'- 



ATLANTA, GEORGIA: 
James P. Harrison & Co., Publishers and Printers. 

1877. 












Entered according to an act of Congress in the year 1877. by S. F. Salter, 
31 D.. in the office of the Librarian of Coogress at Washington. 



To the Fathers and 

Mothers of America, with the 

hope that it may prove a friend in 

need, thereby becoming a flilend indeed, and 

in the hope of assisting the cause of medical 

Progress and Professional, Reform, 

this work is respectfully 

inscribed by 

THE AUTHOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In presenting this little volume to the public, I have but 
one apology to make, and that is, a desire to do the most 
good to the greatest number. It has been my province to 
write, and have published, three medical pamphlets previous 
to this, viz: " Multum in Parvo," " Woman and Her Dis 
eases, from Infancy to Old Age," and " Nervous Vitality," 
for the male sex only. 

Hundreds who have read these pamphlets have solicited 
me to write and publish a work adapted to the use of fam- 
ilies. 

I refused, for a long time, to undertake the work, be- 
cause I did not like to assume the responsibility, and my 
time was so completely occupied in my professional busi- 
ness ; but, with the promise of a large circulation, and 
the desire to do good, I have assumed the task, and will 
fill the requirements to the best of my ability. 

My readers must look more for a common sense, prac- 
tical work, than for one couched in perfect phraseology, 
or abounding in theoretical speculation. Deny it who 
may, all the study, all the book-teaching, lectures, etc., 
are insignificant compared with practical experience. Ed- 
ucation is essential, so is a complete medical education ; 
but the true physician never completes his education. 
Though he live to pass his three score and ten, he is a 
student still. 

There is a lamentable ignorance among the common 
people as to their own organic structure. You will find 



3 INTRODUCTION. 

nine-tenths of them much better posted on all other sub- 
jects than that of themselves ; and, I regret to say, the 
medical profession endeavor to keep them in the dark, that 
they may profit thereby. Just let a man know what his 
requirements are when sick, and what line of conduct is 
essential to good health, and he will practice it, thus cheat- 
ino- the doctor out of his fee by continuing healthy. 

I am glad to know, however, that the people are be- 
ginning to think and act for themselves, and when they do, 
they naturally cast around for the best means of preserv- 
ing health. There is a growing disposition to emancipate 
themselves from the tyrannical rule of a class of men, 
claiming to embody all the wisdom and knowledge that 
has ever been attained in the healing art. This class style 
themselves regular physicians, I, claiming the privilege 
that they take, style them Allopaths, or regular quacks, 
who deal out calomel, arsenic, and opium ; who cauterize, 
blister and leech, regardless of the constitution or condi- 
tion of their patients. 

We have another class of egotistical practitioners who 
are anything or nothing, just as their interest dictates. 
They use "yarbs," roots, bark, and claim eclecticism on 
the ground that they will as readily administer calomel as 
anything else, especially if they have that more conve- 
nient. These are mere floating nondescripts who may, by 
accident, cure, or, perchance, kill, if these remedies do not 
hit, and nature is not equal to the emergency. They may 
be clever men, but very indifferent physicians. 

We have another class who use sugar of milk very ex- 
tensively, mixed with decimal doses or fractions of a dose 
of medicine. These are termed Homeopathists, and their 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

motto, "simiha similibus curantiir" or, "like cures like," 
may do for a theory but not much for practical results. 
They teach that if a large dose of quinine will produce 
feverish symptoms and roaring in the head, a small dose 
will cure the same symptoms. 

Now, when I can empty a pound of tea in the Savan 
nah river at Augusta and drink from a river of tea at Sa- 
vannah, I will give in to their theory, but not sooner. 
Homeopathy has one redeeming feature and that is, it 
often leaves nature to do the work, and the doctor quietly 
gives his sugar-pills and takes the credit. 

We have still another class, the Hydropaths, or water 
cures. Now this may do for strong constitutions — for one 
who is naturally strong but laboring under an acute at- 
tack — but to the debilitated, enfeebled invalid, worn down 
by disease and nervous debility, your water cure will soon 
place them where medicine is not needed. 

People never have learned that there is no specific med- 
icine, no universal remedy for any one disease, but it must 
be varied to suit the case. 

Better, far better, that we never give medicine at all, than 
to give that which acts contrary to natural laws. We 
must endeavor to increase the vital powers, build up and 
strengthen the nervous system, and repair the waste. In 
this we shall succeed only by understanding our patients, 
and applying the remedies diffusing the life-giving principle 
through the system, and giving tone to every organic func- 
tion. 

We can never do this by giving poisonous, depleting 
medicines, and refusing nutritious diet. As in health, a 
a good, nutritious diet is essential to keep up the strength, 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

etc., so in disease, we require, in the same proportion, 
something to keep up the general drain which is going on. 
The American Practice is an improvement upon the 
Botanic, or Reformed Practice. It is eminently American, 
because founded, built up, and established upon American 
soil; purely eclectic, accepting the good wherever found. 
All schools will tell you they are electic, hence my pref- 
erence for the name — American Practice. We, the true 
followers of this system, discard all mineral poisons — mer- 
cury, lead, arsenic, etc. We accept and use all minerals 
which enter into the composition of the human system. 
When we find a principle deficient, we endeavor to supply 
that element. When there is anaemia, we prescribe iron, 
in some form, until the red blood corpuscles are up to a 
healthy standard. When nervous vitality is deficient, we 
give phosphorus, in some form, until we supply the defi- 
ciency, and so on through the whole list. We utterly 
condemn all one-sided theories. Our principles are liberal, 
and we are willing to meet, half-way, all who stand upon 
the principle of doing the most possible good to the great- 
est number. We invite the reader's careful attention to 
the following pages. Give me an unprejudiced hearing, 
and I have no fears as to the result of your verdict. 

Hoping all my patrons and readers will be benefitted, 
and that much of disease and suffering may be prevented 
and relieved by the teaching herein set forth, I cast my 
offering before a discerning, but often deceived, public, 
trusting its reception may be such as has been extended 
to the little works which have gone before. 

Respectfully submitted by 

The Author. 



THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

OF 

DOMESTIC MEDIdNE. 



In arranging these pages, I have considered diseases in 
their alphabetical order, believing it most convenient for 
the common reader, and preferable to classifying them, as 
some have done who have written medical works for the 
people. 

We are indebted to Buchanan, Pancoast, Comfort, How- 
ard, King, Holenbeak, Sites, and others, for hints and sug- 
gestions which we have used in the following pages. 

Originality is not to be expected, in its fullest sense, in 
medical works ; so many have traveled over the ground, 
that we are very sure to go, most of the way, in the old 
beaten path, making such new hints and suggestions as 
we are able to offer, for the benefit of those who come 
after us. The plan of treatment is, in the main, original 
with us, and so simplified as to be of use to our readers. 



ABLUTION. 

Every person suffering from any form of disease, should 
be bathed at least once a day, and, in some febrile or in- 
flammatory diseases, we should have the body sponged 
three or more times a day. Alkaline washes or baths are 
good in all cases of fever. Dissolve bi-carbonate of soda 
in water, and apply warm or cold. In diseases attended 
with sluggish or inactive liver, we will find good results 



12 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

from the use of an acidulated bath, nitro-muriatic acid, or 
even common vinegar in water. In nervous debility, ma- 
rasmus, anaemia, etc., salt water baths are excellent— cold 
salt water to the region of the kidneys is splendid in in- 
flammation of these organs. In scrofulous affections, salt 
and iodine, dissolved in water, act like a charm. In mer- 
curial and syphilitic diseases, iodide of potash, dissolved 
in water, is best. 

There is nothing better to promote elimination, equalize 
the circulation,, and bring the blood to the surface, than a 
free application of water to the person ; it is a good the- 
rapeutical agent and adjunct to other treatment, when 
used with proper judgment, but we must utterly condemn 
the practice of subjecting every ailment to a water treat- 
ment. 

ABSCESS. 

This may be defined as a collection of pus in any cavity — 
a result of inflammation. Abscesses are divided into dif- 
ferent forms, or names, as, an acute abscess — one which 
follows violent inflammation ; and chronic abscess, the 
result of chronic or scrofulous inflammation. We, occa- 
sionally, meet with sympathetic abscess ; for instance, the 
pus in the groin, and the seat of the trouble at the lumbar 
portion of the spine. 

An abscess begins with all the symptoms of inflam- 
mation — febrile excitement, pain of a throbbing nature, 
purple or scarlet appearance of the surface, swelling firm in 
the centre, and yielding all round the base. 

Suppuration is preceded by rigors, pain and sense of 
weight, tension, pulsation, becomes soft in centre, with a 
bright, scarlet appearance, the central parts assuming a 
pyramidal form, fluctuation under the pressure of the fin- 
ger, becomes more prominent, but finally bursts, or is 
opened by art. Once the matter is discharged, the cavity 
fills up with granulation, and if the vital parts are strong, 
we have cicatrization, and a complete healing of the surf- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 13 

ace — new cutis and cuticle forming. Acute abscess is usu. 
ally a sequel of some other disease, or may arise from blows, 
bruises, foreign bodies, etc. Chronic abscess is always a 
result of impurities, and an indication of alow vitality, and 
a symptom of a form of inflammation free from pain, slow 
in its progress, and often attains an enormous size. If an 
abscess has once formed, we should direct our treatment 
to evacuate its contents. Heat and moisture, combined, 
are the elements most successful in promoting this end. 
Hot poultices of slippery elm or flax seed ; a poultice of 
poke-root, soda crackers, etc., etc. 

As soon as fluctuation can be detected, we should open 
the abscess, and when its contents are discharged, we 
should then inject a strong solution of carbolic acid — one 
ounce of chrystal to six ounces of glycerine — inject once 
or twice a day, dress with same, and keep a piece of lint 
saturated with it constantly applied. After this applica- 
tion the membrane has no disposition to form pus, and the 
effects of the atmospheric poison are neutralized by the an- 
tiseptic agent. I am not particularly wedded to an injec 
tion ; just so we bring the acid in contact, we stop the pro- 
cess of suppuration, and destroy the secreting membrane 
of the cavity. Under a free use of this agent we need 
have no fears of fistulas, or abscesses producing cancers, 
etc. We have no better agent than this in the treatment 
of abscess, in fact, every family should have a vial about 
the house, it is prepared at our laboratory. 

ANCHIOLA. 

This is an arrest of the functions of the liver, so that 
matter from which bile is formed, accumulates in the system 
producing constipation, a condition common to all dis- 
eases of the liver, such as atrophy, inflammation of the 
bile ducts, cirrhous cancer, fatty degeneration, nutmeg 
liver, hypertrophy, etc. 

Symptoms are a peculiar and varied state of the ner- 



14 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

vous system, delirium, convulsions, stages of excitement, 
partial coma, bleeding from the nose and sometimes from 
stomach and bowels, jaundiced appearance of the skin, 
etc. 

Treatment, active purgative — something that will act 
with power upon liver and bowels. Our liver pills meet 
the want here, and should be given freely, but if you have 
them not, give mandrake, black-root, nitro-muriatic acid, 
etc. The following acts well : 

R. Podophyllin. 10 grs. 

Leptandrin 20 grs. 

Sanguinaria 10 grs. 

Make twenty powders, give one every three hours with 
bi carbonate of soda dissolved in water. Follow with 

Nitric acid.. 1 dr. 

Muriatic acid 2 dr. 

Water 1 oz. 

Dose, 20 to 35 drops, in water, every three hours, until 
a decided change in the system is visible. Tone up with 
the tonic wine-bitters, a nutritious diet, etc. 

ACNE. 

This is a particular eruption of the skin, making its ap- 
pearance first on the face, nose, forehead and shoulders ; 
it appears as a mere thickening redness, and from this 
proceed points, or tubercles. The parts affected are con- 
spicuous by their redness and pustules, and annoy the 
patient more by the attention it naturally attracts, than 
the real pain or inconvenience. Sometimes it is caused by 
a diseased condition of the sebacicus follicles, induced by 
disease or indulgence. It is better known among the 
common people as " worms in the skin." It is, however, 
real tubercles of the skin, which burst and throw out little 
cheese-like particles of matter, and leave a red, tender ap- 
pearance, which slowly disappears, except a slight depres- 
sion in the skin. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 15 

We have several forms of acne, as acne simplex, or 
simple acne; acne indurata, or indurated acne; acne ro- 
sacea, from its extreme redness, and acne syphilitica, a 
result of syphilis. Acne simplex, indurata, and rosacea, 
may properly all come under one head — maggot pimples ; 
and is most common about the age of puberty ; appears 
in the cheeks and forehead ; are very protracted, often 
leave indelible traces. In their primary stages they con- 
sist of a number of black points, with slightly elevated 
borders. There is no doubt as to their origin — concreted 
sebacious matter accumulated in the follicular structure or 
glands, and may be squeezed out of those glands or ducts. 
Sometimes they inflame and form small tubercles, which 
suppurate and discharge. 

Acne rosacea, rose drop, carbunck face, usually commen- 
ces in the side of the nose, and spreads to the cheeks, cov- 
ering only a part of them — small tubercles, which suppurate 
slowly, and produce a brilliant, shining redness, and an 
irregular granulated appearance of the skin, pale on nrst 
arising in the morning, but growing intensely red under 
excitement. The skin gradually thickens, and we often 
see well defined varicose veins, which suppurate. Late in 
life we can usually attribute acne rosacea to excessive 
eating and drinking. 

Treatment. — We must regulate, first of all, the digest- 
ive functions, and, if in the female, the uterine functions 
must be fully regulated. We must get up an active, 
healthy condition of the liver, kidneys and skin, and thus 
prevent the clogging of the sebacious glands or ducts ; to 
this end we must carefully regulate the diet, avoid all 
stimulants, impress upon the mind of the patient the great 
necessity for perfect cleanliness, and, to this end, a regular 
bathing of the skin with alkaline washes ; and, internally, 
we must give alteratives, such as the alterative syrup, 
iodide potass. , yellow dock, frostwort, etc. We have no 
end to local remedies. Carbolic acid and glycerine are 



16 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

excellent , apply as strong as the patient can bear it, and, 
after a few minutes, wash with soap and water. This will 
stimulate, and, at the same time, prevent the formation of 
tubercular deposits. Another good prescription is— 

Iodoform... ■ 20 grs. 

Lard K oz - 

Mix well, and apply as an ointment to the affected parts ; 

apply— 

Sub nitrate bismuth J oz. 

Simple cerate • 1 oz. 

Prussic acid 1 dr. 

Mix, and rub over the affected part night and morning. 
When it arises from constitutional syphilis, we must give 
the remedies found under that head, and, locally, the io- 
doform ointment, well rubbed in. In all skin diseases we 
must inculcate exercise, and strict cleanliness of person, so 
as to keep the sweat glands open. 

ACUPRESSURE. 

In the treatment of disease, all conservative surgeons 
endeavor to obtain union by first intention, or primary 
union, some term it. We have abundant means already, 
and others are being almost daily added to our stock, and 
how easy, with a solution of carbolic acid, we can trans- 
form a compound fracture to a simple one, and, with acu 
pressure, we can often dispense with ligatures entirely, in 
a wound after amputation, and thus obtain union by first 
intention. 

One of the simplest methods of applying acupressure 
is to pass an appropriate needle through the skin and deep 
parts compressing the vessel, and then close it. For in- 
stance, in amputating the arm at the shoulder joint, we 
would insert the needle two inches from the edge of the 
flap, on the side next the heart from the bleeding part, 
and pass it entirely through the skin and subjacent parts 
directed under the vessel, bring it out beyond, and, if we 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 17 

have any fears that it will not be sufficient, we can make 
a figure "8" suture over the needle, and thus bring the 
inner coats together, blocking the current. 

This is the most useful method of applying acupressure, 
and, as few of my readers will attempt to play surgeon, it 
is not necessary to enter into further details as to its utility, 
etc., etc. 

ADDISON DISEASE. 

A peculiar disease of the supro-renal capsules. The 
symptoms are a discoloration of the skin and incurable 
anaemia ; the disease, however, often exists without the 
skin becoming of the dingy, smoky hue met with as a dis- 
tinguishing mark in most cases. 

Treatment — Should be directed to the improvement of 
the general health. To this end we would prescribe the 
syrup of hypophosphite soda lime, and iron with tonics. 

The following acts well: 

R. Tr. hydrastis can 2 oz. 

Fluid ext. hydrangea. 6 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful half hour after each meal, with 
the hypophosphites before meals. It is a disease we can 
scarcely hope to make a permanent cure of, but may re- 
tard it, and prolong life by judicious treatment. 

ADENITIS. 

Inflammation of the lymphatic may supervene from a 
great variety of causes. 

Constitutional disorders, blows, violent kicks, irritation, 
or absorption of acrid matter from ulcers, venereal or oth- 
erwise, from simple punctures, or inoculation from some 
irritating fluid. Medical students, in the dissecting room, 
are liable to inflammations of this kind, and should be 
very careful to note any abrasion or puncture of the skin. 
When it arises from a puncture, the inflammation begins 
in the absorbent vessels leading to the glands, which ap- 
pear as red lines under the skin and feel hard, cordy, and 



18 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

tender. It may stop at the elbows, but in severe cases 
the glands under the arms swell and become extremely 
painful, fever and rigors' soon make their appearance. 

We have several varieties or forms of adenitis. Simple 
adenitis — very common from an irritating cause. Tuber- 
cular adenitis — often met with in strumous patients. Syph ■■ 
litic adenitis — the result of the absorbtion of venereal mat- 
ter. Malignant adenitis — from cancer, etc. If the lym- 
phatic glands of the mesentery are affected, we have what 
is termed marasmus. 

Symptoms — acute form. — Feeling of oppression, dull 
ness, feverish symptoms, rheumatic swelling of one or 
more glands, which become hot, hard, and tender to the 
touch ; fever increases, as the swelling or tumefaction ex- 
tends locally, the parts are red, livid. If resolution does 
not take place, the urgent symptoms give way, and we 
have chronic suppurating abscess formed in the interior of 
the gland or tissue 

Chronic form. — In this, we have induration, with en- 
largement of gland, and sense of heat, skin retains its nat- 
ural color, areolar tissues unaffected, glands remain mova- 
ble. 

The tubercular form is usually chronic, glands of the 
neck and angle of the lower jaw more frequently affected 
than any other. Children of a strumous habit, or of a 
scrofulous taint, are more liable to the affection. It is 
very rare in adults. We seldom have any premonitory 
symptoms. The first indication, generally, is an indo- 
lent swelling of the glands. If the disease increases, and 
there is a tendency to suppuration, the system suffers con- 
siderably, the patient becomes restless, irritable, tongue 
fevered, pulse quick, bowels constipated, appetite variable, 
urine scant and loaded with sediment. If the general 
health is bad, the inflamed glands rapidly suppurate, and 
we have extensive discharges, and large indolent ulcers 
form. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 19 

Treatment. — If we have the patient from the beginning, 
we would give an emetic of tincture of lobelia and capsi- 
cum, get up a free action on the bowels with the podo 
phyllin pills and cream tartar, give an occasional vapor 
bath. After this, we give iodide of potass, or iodide of 
iron, in the alterative syrup, say one-half ounce to the pint. 
Where there is a strumous diathesis, sulphite of soda. 
Phosphoric acid in glycerine, will be good. Give the fol- 
lowing prescription : 

R. Alterative syrup 1 pt. 

Iodide iron J oz. 

Mix. 
Dose, one teaspoonful in water, half hour before each 
meal. 

Give, also, — 

R. Tr. cinchona comp 4 oz. 

Dilut. phosphoric acid 2 oz. 

Glycerine 10 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful half hour after each meal. This, 
in connection with a nutritious diet, will do more than 
anything else in the way of medicine. Locally, we may 
try iodine ointment, or phytolacea ointment. 

ALBUMINURIA. 

An escape of albumen by the kidneys, usually traceable 
to anaemia, or poverty of the blood, is a devitalized condition 
of that fluid, and is best treated by nourishing diet, with 
something* to act as an astringent on the secretions of the 
kidneys. Among the remedies most appropriate, we rank 
port wine, 'gallic acid, tincture of chloride of iron, erigeron, 
cinchonia hydrastine, or, as a rule, remedies that will im- 
part fibrin to the blood, increase vital force, and produce 
coagulation, as it were, of the vital fluids. The presence 
of albumen in the urine, demands attention at once. We 
must put our patient on the very best animal diet — beef, 
2 



20 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

milk, eggs, butter, fish, etc.,— something that will furnish 
the most nutrition for the least amount of labor of the 
digestive organs. 

Our medicinal treatment should be iron, to restore the red 
principle to the blood ; phosphorus, to increase the vital 
power; small doses of digitalis, or gelseminum, to relieve 
the kidneys of over abundance of blood ; nux vomica, to 
strengthen the muscular fibre of the heart ; cinchonia and 
hydrastine, to give tone; sponging with warm salt water; 
flannel next the skin ; electricity, etc. 

These means, taken in time and judiciously applied, will 
arrest albuminuria. Hundreds suffer from this without 
knowing the cause of their trouble, and to this we may 
attribute the fatal tendency of this disease. 

ALLOPECIA. 

A term applied to falling of the hair, and is due to quite 
a number of causes, though generally traceable to debility. 
We meet with it as a sequel to long continued fevers. 
It may be congenital; that is, due to weakness of the 
capillaries. When it occurs in old age, it is due to decay. 
I have found the following prescription invaluable in falling 
of the hair : 

R. Spirits ammonia 1J oz. 

Tincture cantharides 1J oz. 

Aqua rosa 6 oz. 

Mix. Shake well, and rub into the scalp twice a day. 
The following is also excellent : 

R. Tincture lobelia , 3 oz. 

Tincture sanguinaria 3 oz. 

Glycerine , 2 oz. 

Cologne 1 oz. 

Use as directed for the first. 

My impression is, if the head was washed regularly once 
a week, much of the disease and weakness of the scalp 
would be overcome ; but in this, nine-tenths of the people 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 21 

are wofully negligent. There is nothing like good soap 
and water to keep the scalp clean and healthy. 

The constant use of pomades, oils, etc., by heating the 
scalp, does more harm than most people imagine. If you 
want to keep the hair of a natural color and growth, wash 
well at least once a week, and never use oils of any kind. 

ANGINA PECTORIS. 

This is a disease in which great pain is felt about the 
chest, with a sensation of oppression and strangulation. 
It frequently appears in advanced life, and is more com- 
mon among men than women. It is often associated with 
hypertrophy or enlargement of the heart, fatty degenera- 
tion, dilation of the heart, and diseases of the coronary 
arteries. There are several forms, and it may appear in- 
dependent of structural causes. Persons of a rheumatic 
or gouty diathesis are more subject to it than others. 
The general symptoms are paroxysms of intense pain and 
constriction about the heart, in fact, the pain and constric- 
tion are such that it is often mistaken for asthma. Those 
attacked with angina pectoris have a peculiar horror of 
impending death, and no doubt suffer all the pangs of dis- 
solution. 

The attacks seldom last more than a few minutes ; it 
may come on at any time. If the patient is walking he is 
compelled to stop at once. Upon examination, the pulse 
will be found slow and intermitting, the breathing short 
and hurried, countenance pale and dejected, surface of the 
body cold, or covered with clammy sweat, consciousness 
unimpaired. When the paroxysm passes of, the patient 
regains his usual health, but without prompt relief the 
disease finally proves fatal. 

There are two forms of the disease — acute and chronic. 
The acute form is sudden in its attacks, severe pain in the 
region of the heart, extending to the shoulder, arm, wrist 
and fingers. 

When angina pectoris arises from hypertrophy of the 



22 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

heart, there are powerful pulsations of that organ, which 
can be seen at a distance. When it arises from dilation 
of the ventricles, there is extra heavy pulsation of the jug- 
ular vein, vertigo, and weak pulse. 

When connected with disease of the valve of the heart, 
there will be difficult breathing, feeble, irregular pulse, 
haggard appearance of the countenance, swelling of the 
feet and ankles. If the disease is chronic, the paroxysms 
occur frequently — the most trifling causes may produce it 
The pain involves both arms, and ascends to the jaws. It 
is always aggravated by the slightest movement, and a 
neuralgic pain is usually present under the breast bone. 
It is only distinguished from asthma by the acute and pe- 
culiar pain in the breast bone and left arm, and by the 
different surroundings or causes of such disease. 

The shortness of breath in asthma is dependent upon 
spasmodic contraction of the muscular fibres, and their 
branches. In angina pectoris, the pain resembles neural- 
gic pain more than anything else. 

The true pathology of angina pectoris is, that it is an 
affection of the nerves that supply the heart, stomach and 
lungs. 

It has its origin in a rheumatic or neuralgic tendency, 
involving mainly the pneumogastric nerve and branches 
communicating and connecting with the heart and stomach. 

Treatment. — If we see the patient during the parox- 
ysm, our best resort is diffusible stimulants, such as brandy, 
wine, ammonia, tincture capsicum, tincture prickly ash, etc. 
Place the patient in bed, and give small dose of hydrocy- 
anic acid, tincture gelseminum, or belladona, five to ten 
drops every three hours until relieved. Dry-cupping be- 
tween the shoulders is good, also active friction with stim- 
ulating liniment, salt water, etc. The treatment in the 
interval between attacks should be alternated between 
tonics and alteratives. The following is good : 

Bromide potass 2 oz. 

Aqua 1 pt. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 23 



}|oz. 



Dose, one teaspoonful in sweetened water before each 
meal. Give at the same time — 

Tincture ferri chloride ..* 

Tincture hydrastis can 

Dose, twenty drops in water half hour after meals. 

Avoid all alcoholic stimulants, as they only aggravate 
the disease. The syrup of hypophosphites, as prepared 
at the Eclectic Dispensary, (and used only in the prescrip- 
tions of the author,) is excellent. 

• Fluid extract of valerian, or a tea of wild cherry bark, 
is good. The chances of a cure depend upon the cause 
of the disease. If it arises from organic affection of the 
heart, we cannot promise more than relief; but if depend- 
ent upon disease of the pneumogastric or cardiac nerve, 
then we can administer remedies with a fair prospect of 
success. 

Bromide potass., nux vomica, and phosphorus are the 
best remedies. When the disease arises from affections of 
the nervous system, give the bromide potass, as directed, 
and tincture nux vomica, ten drops after meals. A good 
diet is essential to the final success of any treatment. 

ANAEMIA. 

This is, in plain language, a deficiency of red corpuscles 
in the blood, or poverty of the blood. The red globules 
of the blood, in health, approximate to one-seventh part, 
or say, about 130 parts in 1,000 of blood. In extreme 
cases of anaemia we have them reduced to 75, 60, 40, 35, 
etc, to the thousand. The liquor sanguinis is deficient in 
albumen, but often contains an excess of salts. Although 
this extreme deficiency of the red principle exists in anae- 
mia, there is never found any abnormal degeneration, or 
devitalized substance such as we find, for instance, in the 
blood of cancerous or strumatic patients. No evidence of 
disease, only deficiency of blood discs not having relapsed 
into a lower form of life. Microscopic examination of 



24 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

the blood will enable us to decide in what ratio the defi- 
ciency exists. 

Symptoms. — The absence of red corpuscles give us a 
diminished supply of the materials of growth and nutrition. 
This deficit weakens all the vital powers of the excretory 
viscera. The human economy needs continual repairs; 
ordinarily, this is provided for by natural laws ; but this 
power is so much impaired in anaemia that, if not properly 
stimulated, or aided, the whole machinery must stop, and 
death, as an inevitable result, must follow. 

In anaemia we have a pale, waxy, dry appearance of that 
great gland, the skin, a bleached appearance of the mucous 
membrane, feeble pulse, weak, flabby heart, loss of appe- 
tite, etc.; the liver is sluggish, inert, and particles of bile, 
instead of passing through the regular channel, are taken 
up in the circulation to pass off through the skin, thus 
staining it, and giving it that peculiar sallow appearance. 
The kidneys, through debility, imperfectly eliminate the 
urea, and a serious. train of symptoms may ensue. Again, 
the debility of the kidneys is so great that the albumen 
passes off through them, still adding to the debility of the 
patient. 

I have studied the sounds of the circulation of the blood, 
and always find a peculiar bellows sound in the jugular 
vein, etc. This is exactly in proportion to the diminution 
of the red corpuscles. This sound is continuous, where 
they fall below eighty to the one thousand. This thin, 
watery condition of the blood, has a marked effect upon 
the heart ; also, upon the thyroid gland, which becomes 
greatly enlarged, and remarkable prominence of the eye- 
balls, all of which {the enlarged throat, the weakened heart, 
the prominent eye balls) can be traced to the same cause. 
We often have attacks of fainting, shortness of breath, 
swelling of the extremities, dropsical effusion in the pleura 
pericardium, or peritonium, amenorrhcea, occasional fatal 
sinking, etc. Every symptom is indicative of extreme 



OF DOMFSTIC MEDICINE. 25 

debility, for want of the red principle in the blood. 

Anaemia is caused from a variety of circumstances — 
anything that will impoverish the blood ; mental derange- 
ment, troubles, care, disappointment , anything that ar- 
rests the assimilating viscera, hemorrhages, exhaustive dis- 
charges ; even leucorrhcea, in women, sometimes produces 
anaemia ; starvation, disorders of different kinds, pois- 
ons, etc. 

Diagnosis. — Anaemia is caused by anything that tends 
to impoverish the blood. Chlorosis, or green sickness, is 
often caused from the reflex action, uterine irritation. 
Now, this being the case, the principle of a cure is son c- 
thing to supply nutrition, and counteract the exhaustion 
consequent upon these reflex actions. 

Treatment. — This will consist in introducing, as quickly 
as possible, the largest amount of nitrogenous food — iron, 
chlorine, phosphorus, etc., — into the system, thereby rais- 
ing the standard of nervous vitality. Fresh, fat beef, 
eggs, milk, oysters, fish, as a diet; then iron, to supply 
the anticipated new growth of red discs. A soluble form 
of iron is the best, and no better preparation can be found 
than the hypophosphites of iron, soda and lime, as pre- 
pared at the Eclectic Dispensary, (for patients only.) Ter- 
chloride of carbon, is excellent, and may be given with 
happy effect — five drops three times a day. The end and 
aim of all scientific medication, is to build up ; therefore, 
we would give a sufficient amount of phosphorus, in a 
soluble form, two or three times a day, and no preparation 
can equal the syrup hypophosphites comp. To keep the 
bowels in a healthy, active condition, nothing acts better 
than nux vomica, ten drops tincture after each meal. 
Brandy, raw eggs, etc., are advisable. Abundance of 
fresh air, warm clothing, moderate exercise, etc., etc. 

AMYLOID DEGENERATION. 

We find in the human body two substances nearly al- 



26 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

lied, yet not identical, both, however, possessing the same 
chemical properties as starch, or a similar substance. 

It is well known that many cases are found where the 
liver, spleen and kidneys have undergone this degenera- 
tion. For instance, we often find small bodies analagous 
to vegetable starch, both in chemical complexion, shape 
and size — frequently found in the nervous system. The 
prostrate gland of every male adult presents this appear- 
ance. This sometimes accumulates in such quantities as 
to produce prostatic concretions, and other forms which 
are sometimes found in the lungs. In some cases this 
starch-like mixture forms and is deposited between the 
elements of tissues. In others, the whole component 
parts become filled with starch-like or amyloid substance. 
To this condition is often clue the thickening of arterial 
walls, and consequent diminished, calibre. This morbid 
process goes on, involving adjacent tissues, and if not ar- 
rested in a short time, the whole functions are altered. 
Usually we find several organs involved at the same time, 
and rendered incapable of performing their functions. 
Patients soon assume a cachetic or broken down appear- 
ance, pale skin, loose flesh, strength rapidly gives way, 
urine becomes albuminous, dropsy supervenes, diarrhoea 
sets in, when the digestive functions are involved. At 
this stage of the case medical science offers no cure. Our 
treatment is only palliative. 

Among the obstacles in the way of a successful treat- 
ment of this condition, is the difficulty of arriving at a 
proper diagnosis, especially when the liver, kidneys and 
spleen are involved ; and many patients suffer and fall 
victims to the degeneration without exciting a suspicion of 
their condition in the mind of their attending physician. 
Amyloid degeneration is usually associated with tuber- 
cule, disease of bone, scrofula, syphilis, etc. We often 
find in struma or phthisic amyloid degeneration associated 
with it. and in these cases we find the progress of the dis- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 27 

ease more rapid and less tractable. It is generally associ- 
ated with an impaired condition of the nervous system, or 
a want of nerve force and is often present in struma, 
phthisic and Bright's disease. 

Treatment — In the early stage of the process of de- 
generation, if we can detect it, there is nothing acts better 
than nerve tonics, with something to improve the quality 
and increase the quantity of blood. Among our best 
remedies is the syrup of hypophosphite, soda, lime, and 
iron, with cinchona, to act as a blood tonic. The syrup 
of hypophosphite, as prepared at the Eclectic Dispensary, 
is indicated in every case. The formula for preparation, 
with the dose, and manner of giving the cinchonia in con- 
nection, will be found at the end of this volume. 
ANASARCA— GENERAL DROPSY. 

This is the accumulation of more or less serum in the 
meshes of the areola tissues throughout the entire body. 
Dropsy usually depends upon diseases of the heart, liver, 
or kidneys. When dependent upon diseases of the heart, 
we have what we term hydrothorax ascite and anasarca 
combined. In cirrhosis of the liver we first have ascites, 
and then anasarca, while diseases of the kidneys give rise 
to general anasarca. 

The latter usually begins to manifest itself by a swelling 
round the ankles, a leading characteristic is tumefaction of 
the limb and soft part covering the abdomen, thorax, and 
even the face, with pale, dry appearance of the skin, and 
pitting when pressed upon. Anasarca depends upon some 
affection of the kidneys. It may arise from inflammation, 
fatty, or waxy, degeneration, or an escape of albumen, 
caused by inherent weakness of the kidneys, or extreme 
poverty, being so thin that its albumen portion escapes 
with the urine. 

Treatment. — The special treatment depends upon the 
cause. The general treatment should be directed to stim- 
ulating the skin, bowels and kidneys, with a view of re- 



28 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

moving the effusion. I find, in this disease, a vapor bath 
excellent to begin with, and, if repeated every day, is so 
much the better. Alkaline and Turkish baths are also 
good. Where the case is urgent, a sponging of the body 
three times a day will be advisable. Use a warm alkaline 
wash, warm fomentations over the kidneys are excellent, 
or even a warm salt water bath. To excite a free action 
on the bowels, give the powder mentioned in the formula 
under the head " Hydragogue Powder." I have found 
that small doses of elaterine act well, say one-twelfth of a 
grain three times a day. Digitalis has a happy effect, but 
I cannot recommend its use to inexperienced persons, 
and, if given, should be under the advice and personal 
attention of a physician. 

This treatment will soon remove the effusion, or accu- 
mulation ; and then we must follow with special treatment, 
to give tone and strength to the system. If we suspect 
waxy or fatty degeneration of the kidneys, we must pro- 
hibit the use of acids, saccharine, or fatty substances. The 
diet must be of animal focd— beef, fish, eggs, oysters — and 
avoiding all vegetables or fruits. In most cases, the hypo- 
phosphites of soda, lime and iron will come in, acting like 
a charm. Huxam tincture of cinchonia, is excellent in all 
cases attended with anaemia, and weakness of the whole 
system. 

ANGUOLEUCITIS. 

Anguoleucitis, or inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, 
is the result of injury, or the absorption of some morbid 
matter, such as dissection wounds, scratches, and abra- 
sions, and coming in contact with lochial discharges, un- 
healthy sores, cancers, etc. 

Symptoms.— These are always well marked. Among 
the first that attract our attention, are bright red streaks, 
running upward from the wound, in the course of the 
absorbients, to the gland in which the vessel merges. 
These streaks are tender to the touch, and soon attended 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 29 

with stinging pains, and draw like hard cords. The glands, 
in connection with affected vessels, become involved, get 
swollen, and are attended with harsh, acute pains ; the 
whole limb becomes puffy, hot, and extremely sensitive. 
Constitutional disturbance, chills, rigors, vomiting, consti- 
pation, restlessness, mental and bodily prostration. With 
good treatment, it may terminate in resolution, or suppura- 
tion ; sometimes in chronic induration. 

Treatment. — Everything depends upon the prompt ac- 
tion of remedies. In these cases, I have found an emetic 
of lobelia and cayenne pepper one of the best medicines 
to begin with. After the action of the emetics, use a 
bath of strong alkalies— soda, lime, or even weak ley. Fol- 
low up with ten grains sulphite of soda, every three hours, 
alternate with — 

Tincture of cinchona comp 4 oz. 

Dilute phosphoric acid J oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful, in sugar and water, every six 
hours. 

Regulate the bowels with — 

R. Podophyllin 3 grs. 

Colocynth 10 grs. 

Bitartrate potash 2 dr. 

Make six powders, and give one morning and night. 
Keep the wound well bathed with a solution of sulphite of 
soda, and covered with oil silk. The diet must be light 
and nutritious — beef-tea. milk, eggs, or brandy and eggs. 
The drink to allay thirst, may be acidulated with lemon, 
or lemon sugar. I am inclined to the opinion, that noth- 
ing is better calculated to relieve, or antidote, this trouble, 
than a free use of sulphite of soda, both locally and inter- 
nally, when the urgent symptoms have disappeared. Es- 
tablish convalescence on a good, nutritious diet, and the 
preparation mentioned under the head of alterative bit- 
ters. 



30 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

ANTHRAX-CARBUNCLE OR BOIL. 

This is a painful, hard, flattened, circumscribed tumor, 
slightly elevated above the skin, extending through the 
skin, and even beneath it one inch or more deep. The 
surface red, of a mahogany tint, then purple or livid, and af- 
ter the place heals up the skin often remains livid or purple 
for several weeks. It is essentially an inflammation of the 
skin and adjacent tissue, with a formation or accumulation 
of unhealthy lymph, terminating in resolution, or suppu- 
ration and ulceration. 

Symptoms. — A flattened, circular swelling, dull, throb- 
bing, aching pain, suppuration, sloughing. When the 
carbuncle is fully formed, the surface is livid or purple, 
the skin is raised into blisters, and there appear numerous 
heads or openings, and as the pus or matter escapes, they 
often look as if punctured with a sharp instrument, and 
through the opening a stringy like substance or core can 
be seen. This core is a slough of festering tissues of the 
inner part of the skin. As it loses its vitality, it is con- 
verted into a white or grayish matter. Carbuncles vary in 
size from one to several inches in diameter. 

Treatment. — The most prompt and efficient treatment 
is to make an incision through the diseased structure, even 
if you cut a little beyond. This will give instant relief 
from the throbbing and pain. Follow with a soothing 
poultice of elm, applied constantly, moistening when it 
becomes dry. Keep the bowels regular with the cathar- 
tic pill. Constitutional treatment should be resorted to. 
The best remedies will be found under the head of ''alter- 
atives." Change of diet, cleanliness, etc., is essential to 
prevent a recurrence of the disease. 

ANEURISM. 

A tumor produced by the dilation of the, coats of an 

artery. It may embrace the entire circumference of the 

vessel, and may extend several inches, thus increasing the 

size of the tumor. We often meet with partial dilation, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 31 

but when all the cavities of an artery are dilated and not 
ruptured, we have true aneurism. 

Dilation, with rupture of one or more cavities, is false 
aneurism. We sometimes meet with rupture of the two 
inner coats, and the blood, coming in contact with the 
outer coat, produces a sac or pouch. 

The inner coating requires additional covering, and 
sometimes fibrous coagulation takes place. 

The extravasation of blood into the areolar tissue, will 
form what we term a diffused aneurism. 

Varicose aneurism can only happen where a vein runs 
over the artery. On puncturing an artery at this part, the 
blood rushes into the vein, which becomes varicose. The 
diagnostic symptoms of aneurism are an extraordinary 
throbbing or pulsation in a particular part occupied by a 
small tumor, which will disappear when compressed, and 
return immediately when the pressure is removed. These 
tumors have a tendency to increase in size. We have sponta- 
neous aneurism, and external and internal. A division or 
description of each of these varieties would not be of par- 
ticular interest to the general reader. The disease is more 
common in males than in females. Calcareous or fatty 
deposits will so weaken the internal coats as to cause a 
spreading out. The use of alcoholic drinks, and excite- 
ment, mental or physical, over-exertion, strains or blows, 
are among the exciting causes. Aneurism, under certain 
circumstances, may terminate favorably without treatment, 
but usually there is an urgent necessity for prompt and 
active treatment. Among the old school practitioners no 
remedy is employed but ligation, or cutting down and ap- 
plying a ligature. Very often this is the only means that 
proves effectual ; but we would always advise a resort to 
all other remedial agents first, and the knife and the liga- 
ture as a last resort. 

Treatment. — For a disease like this, it is almost useles to 
lay down a course for the common reader, but we will sug- 



.32 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

gest the most successful common remedy. Pressure may 
be tried, using a piece of cork, or flattened piece of lead > 
with bandage over the tumor, keeping this constantly ap- 
plied for some months. The advantage of this is, that by 
compressing we bring the arterial coats in contact, and by 
keeping them thus, we may succeed in producing coagu- 
lation of the blood in the tumor. 

Everything that tends to build up the general health, 
highly animalized diet, such as beef, eggs, oysters, fish, 
milk, sustaining the vital powers by the chinchona comp. 
mentioned in the latter part of this volume. Iron and 
mineral acids are very good. Strict quietude of mind and 
body will aid the natural powers. Carbolic acid, fifteen 
drops of the diluted acid in water, three times a day, will 
have the effect to produce a sort of coagulation of the 
blood. Pressure above the tumor will often have a good 
effect. If these means fail, you must seek the advice and 
treatment of a skillful physician. Electricity acts well in 
some cases, and is well worth a trial. 

ANEURISM OF ABDOAHXAL AORTA. 

Gives rise to pain in the back, across the region of the 
kidneys, shooting into the groins, and downwards into the 
thighs and genital organs. Pain aggravated by constipa- 
tion; pulsating tumor discovered upon close examination; 
pulsation strong, and bellows-like murmur is heard upon 
applying the ear to the tumor. 

Treatment. — In all forms of aneurism, bodily and men- 
tal excitement should be avoided. 

Cough, pain, indigestion, and other symptoms must be 
treated on general principles ; a good, generous diet, as 
directed in the preceding article. The treatment in all 
cases must be directed to producing coagulation and ab- 
sorption. 

AXECRISAI OF THE THORACIC AORTA. 
This, like all other aneurism, is distinguished by the pul- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 33 

sating tumor, disturbed action of the heart, shortness of 
breath, wheezing, etc., sometimes loss of voice. This is 
one among the worst forms of aneurism, and the hardest 
to control. Even an operation is hardly admissable, as 
the tumor is too near the heart, so that our treatment 
must be palliative, directed to the circulation and keeping 
up the digestive functions. 

Under a treatment of this kind we may prolong life and 
keep the patient quite comfortable. 

APHASIA. 

A loss of the cerebral faculty of speech, and the power 
of expressing thoughts by writing and gesticulation, as a 
discordance between the gray and the white matter of the 
brain and spinal cord. 

At the same time we have loss of the memory of words, 
the memory of acts, and the memory of articulation. 
Aphasia is often transitory, as we have it, occasionally, 
during consciousness in fevers ; and it may be due to 
congestion of the brain ; or, it may be partly due to 
softening of the brain, hemorrhage of the cerebrum, 
apoplexy, etc. 

Symptoms. — Sudden deprivation of the power of speech, 
face holds its expression of intelligence, movement of the 
lips and larynx healthy, a consciousness of what is wished 
to be expressed, with no power to express a word. 
Aphasia patients may have perfect knowledge. In cases 
of aphasia, that have come under my observation, I have 
found most of them recover almost as sudden as they were 
attacked. 

Treatment. — Cases of loss of speech, not due to hem- 
phlegia (paralysis), or chorea (St. Vitus dance), perfect 
recovery may be brought about by judicious means. We 
have in all these cases a jarring, or want of equilibrium, 
between the gray and white matter of the brain and 
medula oblongata, The true theory is this : If the pupil 



34 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

be contracted, it denotes turgescenta and congestion of the 
brain. In this class of cases nothing succeeds like small 
doses of belladonna, say fifteen drops of the tincture after 
each meal, with thirty grains of bromide of potass, dissolved 
in sweetened water, half an hour before each meaL This 
will have, sometimes, to be continued for months, before a 
cure is effected. There is, usually, a defective nutrition of 
brain and nerve tissues, hence the value of phosphorus — say 
one-sixtieth of a grain at night. When, however, there is 
dilation of the pupil, then we give fifteen drops of a satu- 
rated tincture of calabar beans ; continue the phosphorus. 
The application of salt-water baths to the spine, and a wet 
towel to the nape of the neck, will do good. At the same 
time the use of the syrup hypophosphite of soda, lime, and 
iron, as prepared at the Eclectic Dispensary, will have a 
happy effect in giving tone and strength to the system. If 
there is no organic difficulty, a cure will soon be effected. 
If due to lead 6r mercurial poisoning, then we must resort 
to powerful alteratives — something to antidote and destroy 
the poison — using baths, etc. In aphasia from apoplexy, 
the treatment must be directed to removal of the cause. 
These cases are the most hopeless, yet cures are sometimes 
effected ; and much good may be accomplished, even though 
we fail to cure. 

APHONIA. 

Aphonia, or loss of .voice, from organic or functional 
derangement of the vocal cord, varied in extent, from a 
slight impairment to complete dumbness. We meet with 
aphonia from absence of the tongue; aphonia, from tumor 
of the fauces or glottis; aphonia, from disease of the 
trachea, and from paralysis, or loss of nervous energy. 
We have two varieties — functional and organic. The func- 
tional variety is most frequent in females, and usually 
sympathetic, or hysterical, in type. Males of an effemi- 
nate character, sensitive nature, are also its victims Ute- 
rine irritations, ovarian excitement, leucorrhcea, amenor- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 35 

rhoea, or menorrhagia, and a general alliance with other 
symptoms, indicate its character. Patients speak in a 
whisper for days, weeks, months, until the cause is re- 
moved. 

Treatment. — When functional, the best remedial agents 
are emetics — equal parts lobelia and eupatorium, with a 
little cayenne pepper. Act upon the liver by a small dose 
of podophyllin and leptandrin, combined. Repeat as often 
as necessary to keep the liver and bowels acting. Give an 
occasional dose of phosphorus, prepared as directed in the 
formula at the end of this volume. I have found a combi- 
nation o( nux vomica, hydrastia and quinine have a good 
effect, using a generous, nutritious diet. Inhalation of 
ammonia, sometimes, has an excellent effect. The organic 
form is usually due to the presence of some poison in the 
system, as syphilis, scrofula, ulceration of membrane above 
the vocal cords, etc. Treatment should be adapted to the 
conditions that exist. For the cure of inflammation, ulcer- 
ation, etc., locally, a solution of sesqui-carbonate of potass. 
or permanganate of potass. — five grains to the ounce of 
water — is excellent. Alteratives should be given, from 
the first, a selection of which may be made from articles 
under that head. I am inclined to believe that little good 
is effected by local application, in a disease that has its 
origin in impurities of the blood. 

APTELE. 

This consists of roundish, pearl colored vesicles, con- 
fined to the lips, mouth and intestinal canal, terminating in 
a curd like slough. This is a special disorder of infancy, 
usually termed thrush. 

In adults, apthae indicates debility, imperfect digestion, 
mal-nutrition, etc. The disease is too well marked, too 
easily understood, to demand a long dissertation on the 
subject. There are several plants that produce sore mouth, 
when chewed or taken into the mouth. We have, also, 
3 



36 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

apthae from syphilitic or scrofulous taint, and it may readily 
communicate from one person to another in this way. I 
would, therefore, caution my readers against using the same 
glass or cup with strangers, as lasting harm may result. 

We often have it long-continued, producing vomiting, 
diarrhoea, and general derangement of the system, ulcera- 
tion or excoriation, reaching the stomach and intestines. 
Acidity is one grand cause of sore mouth, also improper 
diet. 

Treatment.— If the bowels are deranged, give the neu- 
tralizing mixture, half a teaspoonful every two hours. 
Touch the ulcerated spots with sulphite of soda in solu- 
tion. Give good, constitutional treatment, to meet the 
indications of the case. Compound tincture of cinchona 
is splendid. The neutralizing mixture should be continued 
all through the case, bathing the whole person well with 
water in which soda has been dissolved, or use the salt 
water, or both, as suits your convenience best. 

Mercurial apthae must be treated as other cases of mer- 
curial poisoning, nitric acid, baths, etc. , being among the 
best remedies. 

The treatment of sore mouth, or thrush, may be found 
in my book, " Woman and Her Diseases." 

Nurses' sore mouth must be treated upon general prin- 
ciples, and always requires active, constitutional means. 

APOPLEXY. 

This is a state of coma from pressure within the cranium. 
It is characterized by sudden loss of sensation, thought, 
voluntary motion, with great disturbance of respiration 
and circulation. 

Symptoms. — It is always preceded by giddiness, pain, 
and swimming in the head. On stooping, we have a ring- 
ing noise in the ears, with blindness, double vision, etc. 
We may have an occasional effort of nature to rid the sys- 
tem of too much blood by bleeding at the nose. We 
often have nausea, numbness in the extremities, and im- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 37 

paired mental faculties, partial paralysis of the lower ex- 
tremities, etc. Be the other symptoms what they may, 
we have pressure on the brain from too great fullness of 
the vessels that supply the brain, etc. The prognosis, or 
prospects of a cure, are always unfavorable, especially in 
patients beyond thirty-five years of age. The symptoms 
vary according to the extent of extravasation, and the part 
of the brain in which it is located. We sometimes have 
perfect consciousness, but loss of speech and muscular 
power. 

Causes. — These may be hereditary or congenital. We 
have thousands of cases formed for this disease, as it 
were, through some hereditary defect, sedentary habits, 
labor that requires constant stooping, high living, sanguine 
temperament, with protuberant abdomen, large head, short, 
thick neck, disease of the heart and kidneys, intemperance, 
etc., with late, full suppers, are among the common causes 
that lead to apoplexy. Apoplexy may terminate in one of 
three ways. It may pass off and leave the patient feeling 
well as usual; it may terminate in impaired mental func- 
tions, with some part of the body paralyzed ; or it may 
terminate in death, without premonition. The predispo- 
sing cause is previous disease, and brittleness of the arte- 
ries. Post-mortem examination of the body seldom dis- 
closes more than a trace of the disease, but coagulated, or 
extravasated blood, is found in the ventricles, etc. There 
are several varieties of apoplexy, yet it is difficult, in life, 
to decide to which class or variety any one case belongs, 
so that post-mortem examination is essential to a proper 
understanding of any one case. 

Treatment. — The treatment of apoplexy must be of an 
active nature. If seen in a paroxysm, we must adopt the 
most active measures. Among the best means, where 
there is coma, full, hard pulse, the vessels in the neck 
gorged, the face flushed or tinged, are the application of 
ligatures, at once, over the extremities, in both axilla and 



38 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

groin. Then, if the patient can swallow, give veratrum 
and belladonna— to bring the pulse to about sixty five — 
equal parts of tincture belladonna and veratrum, of which 
give ten drops ; repeat in half an hour. Free cupping, 
over the back of the neck, and both clavicles, is advisable. 
Apply oil of capsicum and mustard to both limbs. A free 
use of enemas of flax-seed tea, in which dissolve one-half 
grain each of podophyllin, jalopin, and eight or ten drops of 
turpentine. 

Should this fail to move the bowels, and the patient can 
swallow, give large doses of senna and jalap, or ten drops 
of croton oil, our object being to get up an action on the 
bowels in the shortest possible time. If the patient cannot 
swallow, we must apply ice to the head and spine. 

Remove all articles of dress that can cause pressure, give 
plenty of fresh air. If we find the patient in a state of 
syncope, with a weak, almost imperceptible pulse, cold, 
clammy skin, a sighing respiration, we should proceed dif- 
ferently — giving a stimulating treatment : belladonna and 
capsicum — equal parts tincture belladonna and capsicum — 
with twenty-drop doses, repeated in half an hour; warm, 
stimulating applications to the extremities, and, if the 
stomach is overloaded, give a stimulating emetic of lobelia 
and capsicum. Bleeding must never be resorted to. 
Shower-baths, perfect hygienic measures, etc., should be 
adopted, to prevent a return. Let the bed be a straw, or 
hair, mattress : diet, plain ; plenty of acids, wine as a drink, 
avoiding all fermented liquors. 

This, with strict avoidance of all excitement, and exciting 
causes, will soon overcome the disposition to return. 

ARTERIES. 

To determine when an artery is wounded, we have only 
to note the florid color of the blood, the profuseness, and 
its being thrown out in jets, corresponding with the pulsa- 
tions of the heart. 

Nature employs her most sublime art for the arrest of 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 39 

arterial hemorrhage. This is done by contracting the inner 
coats of the arteries, and thus obstructing the flow, causing 
a disposition to coagulate. Primary and secondary vessels 
invariably require ligation or acupressure. Arteries of 
the third and fourth order can be treated with torsion 
pressure, cold styptics, etc. A ligature, tied tightly and 
evenly upon a vessel, divides the middle and internal coats, 
leaving the external, or muscular, coats enclosed in the 
knot. Acupressure consists in inserting a needle under- 
neath the vessel, and applying a suture, in the form of a 
figure 8, over the needle, so as to give a sufficient amount 
of compression. We may seize an artery, twist it, and 
produce obliteration, or assimulation, of all the coats, con- 
verting the tubes into an impervious coat. 

Cold and pressure are only temporary expedients, and 
adapted only to vessels of small size. 

Styptics are best for very small vessels. The best styp- 
tic is glycerine, four ounces, carbolic acid, one ounce. 
Mix and apply to the artery. It will stop, in every case, 
wounds of the fourth and fifth class. I do not believe 
there is an equal to carbolic acid in wounds, compound 
fractures, etc., producing, in every case, union by first in- 
tention. 

ASTHMA. 

A nervous disease, whose phenomena depends upon 
tonic contraction of the circular muscular fibres of the 
bronchial tubes. These paroxysms are induced by direct 
or reflex mechanism — that is to say, the tendency to con- 
traction may be central in the medula oblongata, or it may 
be in the pulmonary or gastric portion of the pneumogas- 
tric, or some other portions of the nervous system besides 
the vegas, and reflected to the nerve centre by motor fila- 
ments. 

At the root of all cases of asthma, there is some irrita- 
tion of some central nerve. We sometimes trace its origin 
to some miasmatic poisoning, or to some skin disease, and 



40 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

occasionally to organic affections of the chest. Once es- 
tablished, the exciting causes are many and various. Sud- 
den change of temperature, or a heavy atmosphere, as, 
for instance, in damp, cloudy weather. Occasionally the 
presence of electricity in the air will produce an attack ; 
also, inhaling dust or other irritating substances. 

Symptoms. — An attack of asthma is usually preceded 
by a sleepy, sluggish feeling, or dull pain in the head, 
back and limbs, loss of appetite, indigestion, dry hacking 
cough, depression of spirits. 

The attacks are ushered in suddenly, usually coming on 
in the night, with a sense of suffocation or constriction 
about the chest, distressing shortness of breath, aggra- 
vated by the slightest movement. Inspirations are usually 
short and strong, while respirations are long, laborious 
and wheezing, great and rapid movements of the nostrils, 
countenance bloated and bearing an expression of intense 
distress, inclination to retain an erect position. There is 
often an intense struggle for breath, and one who has 
never seen patients similarly affected, would imagine death 
was imminent; in fact, I have often thought an asthmatic 
patient suffers death hundreds of times, or even more than 
the pangs of death. 

Upon examination of the chest by the ear, we will have 
but slight respiratory murmur, the temperature will fall to 
82, and, as before remarked, every symptom would seem 
to indicate speedy dissolution. We have frequent cough, 
with expectoration of small, pellet-like mucous. Usually, 
in the interval between attacks, the patient enjoys moder- 
ately good health, and experiences no difficulty in breath- 
ing. 

There is a peculiar type or conformation more subject to 
this disease than others. They are usually of spare habit, 
nervous temperament, rounded shoulders, countenance in- 
dicative of much suffering, hoarse voice, some cough. The 
interval is from twenty-four hours to one year. Like all 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 41 

nervous affections, it is often periodic, tenacious and ob- 
stinate. More common in men than in women, and is 
often hereditary, running in families from generation to 
generation. 

Asthma is usually uncomplicated when it is idiopathic, 
but the sympathetic is usually complicated with some 
other disease of the nervous system, alimentary canal, 
heart, lungs, or skin. 

Treatment. — If called to see the patient during an at- 
tack, I always prescribe a teaspoonful of the compound 
tincture of lobelia every ten minutes, until relieved. Give 
an enema of the same to relax bronchial spasms. If this 
does not succeed in a very short time, give ten grains 
bromide potass. , and repeat it if there is no relief. 

When we relieve the urgent symptoms, give half a tea- 
spoonful of the following every two hours : 

R. Tincture Lobelia \ each 1 oz. 

Aqua Cinnamon j mixed. 

Bromide Potass j4oz. 

In the interval improve the general health by tonics, per- 
fect hygiene; use cold shower or sponge baths, improve 
the digestive powers, and use such diet as is easily digested. 
If you eat supper at all, let it be early in the evening, so 
that the process of digestion is well under way before you 
retire at night. 

Among our best remedies are lobelia and bromide of 
potass, combined. They are specially indicated when there 
is a prickly sensation over the whole system. Pulsatilla 
and belladonna, equal parts, is excellent. If the disease is 
connected with uterine derangements, chamomile is good. 
If it is a sequel to catarrh, I have found a combination of 
quinine and nux vomica good, in cases dependent upon 
general debility. In the treatment, with a view of making 
a permanent cure, we must meet the indications of the case 
as they occur, removing the exciting causes. 

Many attacks of asthma may be prevented by placing 
pieces of glass under the bed-posts, and keeping it well 



42 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

from the wall. I have treated hundreds of cases of asth- 
ma; can always relieve, but when the patient has passed 
middle life, it is difficult, indeed, to make a permanent 
cure, and remove the predisposition to a return of the dis- 
ease. Much will depend upon the patient's own manage- 
ment, and close observance of the laws of hygiene. 

In the young, and up to, say thirty- five and thirty- six, 
the chances of a cure are always good, unless connected 
with organic disease of the chest, or some important or- 
gan. Alteratives are indicated in most cases, and a selec- 
tion may be made from any of the leading articles under 
that head. 

ATOMIZED FLUID FOE INHALATION. 

A large proportion of medicines may be used in the 
form of spray, and atomizers are getting so cheap that it 
will soon pay almost every family to have one. They can 
be used to great advantage in affections of the mucous 
membrane of the mouth, throat, nose and face. 

They are indicated in tubercular or syphilitic ulceration 
of the throat, laryngeal phthisis, croup, bronchitis, whoop- 
ing cough, loss of voice, etc , etc. Twenty giains of 
bromide of potass., dissolved in water and used in spray, 
will relieve the most urgent case of whooping cough, and 
will cure, in a week, used twice a day. One to two appli- 
cations a day, of ten to twenty minutes, will suffice. The 
dose or amount of medicine to be used at one time, is 
usually given in a pamphlet, which accompanies these in- 
struments. 

ATEOPHY. 

A progressive or morbid diminution of the whole, or a 
part, of the body. It is due to a variety of causes. For the 
maintainance of health, all parts of the human system 
must have a certain amount of exercise, which is an indis- 
pensable and healthy stimulus. If the brain is not exer- 
cised, it becomes inactive and sluggish, its faculties im- 
paired, and eventually its functions give way. Tie up a 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 43 

limb, and it will, ere long, wither, waste away. In no case 
can we better illustrate the similarity of effects from dis- 
similar causes, than in this, that if the brain is overworked, 
used excessively, beyond a degree that the system can 
repair, it will become degenerated. Degeneration, or 
atrophy of the body, is a symptom, or attendant condition, 
of a number of diseases — marasmus, paralysis, etc., etc. 
Special, or partial atrophy, is much more common than 
that which affects the whole body. We have atrophy from 
over-work, and atrophy from enervation, or want of exer- 
cise. The defect in both conditions, is a want of construc- 
tion, or repair. Rather, over-worked tissue is different 
from under-worked tissue. In the one, no demand is 
made for constructing power; but in over-worked tissue, 
the demand is made, and cannot be supplied, 

In the one, the nerve force, which should guide and 
govern, is let sleep; while in the other, too much used, it 
becomes exhausted. No new store of muscular fibre is 
laid in, and the whole degenerates into inelastic fibres, and, 
finally, degenerates into a pale, fatty tissue, of no vitality. 

The power of nerve over muscular force is wonderful. 
It may be increased by education so it will continue to 
brace up the system more and more, but when it reaches 
the height of its capacity, it is incapable of further im- 
provement. 

If the exertion is continued beyond a normal standard, 
the nerve force expends itself in exciting the continuous 
functions of the muscles. 

Destruction exceeds construction. Nerve force is ca- 
pable of indefinite improvement, but the instrument, or 
limb the nerve supplies cannot be made stronger than it 
was originally, and when it is over-strained or over-worked, 
it degenerates. 

The most common form of atrophy is where it occurs 
in one set of muscles, from special and partial use. Mus- 
cles affected with atrophy change their appearance, become 



44 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

soft, feeble, pale and bleached in appearance. Muscular 
atrophy and local paralysis often follow malarial affections. 
Other poisons will produce it, lead, mercury, syphilis, etc. 
Lead often leads to atrophy. White lead, gradually ab- 
sorbed into the system, impregnating first the fluids, 
which are rendered capable of dissolving it by their satu- 
ration with carbonic acid. 

Lead destroys the red globules carried to the muscles, 
removes their red color, renders them incapable of con- 
traction, except under extraordinary nervous influence. 
This paralyzing influence is shown on the involuntary fi- 
bres of the intestines, and one reason of this is that the 
nearest the portal circulation, the path by which the 
poison enters, being weak muscle, and having constant, un- 
remitting work, make them more susceptible to this influ- 
ence. 

Treatment — Atrophy, the result of various circum- 
stances, will have to be treated according to the exciting 
cause. Inactivity, inflammations, spasms, etc., are among 
the most common causes. 

Treatment must always be based upon the pathology of 
ccmplete, perfect rest of the affected part, then improve 
the general health by all possible means. Animal food is 
the best by way of diet— fresh fish, eggs, beef, etc. Aid 
digestion with — 

R. Fluid ext. Populis trem J oz. 

Hydrastia J oz. 

Add this to one quart good gin, and take a tablespoon- 
ful before each meal. I have found, where there was a 
want of assimilation — a devitalized condition of the nervous 
system, etc.— the following prescription meets the indi- 
cations admirably : 

Glycerine 1 2 oz. 

AcidPhos. dil 4 oz. 

Mix, and give a teaspoonful three times a day. 
Locally perfect rest, cold douche baths, friction, with 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 45 

salt-water, electricity, etc. If due to malaria, give treatment 
recommended for chills and fever. If due to lead, or mer- 
cury, nothing acts better than my alterative syrup, men- 
tioned under that head. Electricity is good, as it expands 
and contracts muscular fibres excessively — the capillary 
at one moment, and forcing more blood into the vessels 
the next. 

BRIGHT'S DISEASE. 

This form of disease of the kidneys, is met with under 
three heads : 

1. Inflammation — acute or chronic. 

2. Waxy degeneration. 

3. Fatty degeneration. 

1. The Inflammatory Form. — This may be acute or 
chronic. The first is generally indicated by all those causes 
which excite inflammation in other internal organs, and is 
ushered in by signs and febrile symptoms, and accompanied 
by pain in the lower regions, and the phenomena, or 
symptoms, peculiar to syphilis, or inflammation of the kid- 
neys. 

The chronic form may follow the acute ; may come on 
more slowly and insiduously, as the result of the same 
cause ; or proceed so imperceptibly from causes which have 
escaped observation, that the occurrence of dropsy, more 
or less extensive, may be the first symptoms which excite 
attention. Testing the urine, chemically, it is found to be 
albuminous ; on examination, microscopically, it is found 
to present various kinds of cast, with epthelial cells, blood 
corpuscles, different salts, etc. Post mortem examination 
presents congestion, eccrymorsis, discoloration, extrava- 
sation of blood, atrophy disease, etc. 

2. Waxy Form. — This form of the disease is mostly 
chronic, and for the most part occurs with, or accompanies, 
the scrofulous or tubercular diathesis. Dropsy and a pe- 
culiarly cachectic, emaciated look constitutes its principal 
symptom, and the urine, as the disease slowly progresses, 



40 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

becomes more and more suppressed, death taking place by- 
coma, ureamic intoxication. The sediments are usually 
small, and present a pale cast of the tubes, with often 
epthelial cells, usually colorless and transparent. Not un- 
frequently, at an early stage, we meet with firm cells. 
Post mortem examination of the kidneys that have under- 
gone waxy degeneration, we find that they are more sensi- 
tive to the touch than when healthy — sometimes smaller, 
sometimes larger, of a color resembling various shades of 
dirty beeswax, of a light form and tint. The nature of 
waxy degeneration is evidently some change in the chem- 
ical composition of the structure affected. 

3. The Fatty Form. — This may be a result of inflam- 
mation, but frequently occurs independent of inflammation. 
The progress of the disease is rapid. It is not so fre- 
quently associated with scrofula cr tubercule, but occurs 
in individuals more advanced in life, who suffer from heart 
or throat affections. It is very prevalent among the in- 
temperate, and is frequently associated with fatty degene- 
ration of heart and liver. Dropsy, with persistent albu- 
minaria, are constant symptoms, and the sediment is con- 
stantly loaded with cast of the tubes of- the kidneys, con- 
taining oil, gravels, and gravel cells. 

Post-mortem.— On examining the urine of individuals 
who have recovered of this form, we observe the tubes 
more or less obstructed by fatty globules which have grad- 
ually accumulated in the structure of the kidneys. These 
separate, and even burst, liberating their contents, and, in 
this way, obstructing the tubes and secretions of the kid- 
neys. The blood-vessels become gradually depressed, 
until the organ itself looks bloodless. The fibrous tex- 
tures are occasionally destroyed, and the functions of the 
kidneys fail almost entirely. These three forms comprise 
the pathological conditions or characteristics of Bright's 
disease. 

The treatment of this disease, until within a few years, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 47 

has been empirical, uncertain, and not one in a thousand 
ever recovered. Thanks to eclectic or progressive medi- 
cine, we have made rapid strides in the treatment of this 
disease, and while we are not able to cure all, or even a 
majority of the cases that come under our care, we can 
relieve and cure a great many. 

Overtaxing the system is one of the leading causes of 
degeneration of the kidneys. You cannot overload the 
system without a revulsive action. An attempt to rid the 
body of all extraneous matter, is one cause of Bright's 
disease. The secreting powers of the kidneys are so taxed 
that instead of forming a healthy secretion, the kidneys 
become a heavy drain on the human economy, and death 
often results from exhaustion or debility. 

Treatment. — Among the hygienic means of treating 
the disease, none stand higher than salt water baths. 
Dissolve salt pretty freely in warm water, and bathe the 
whole body, especially over the regions of the kidneys. 
This, in connection with tonics, a nutritious animal diet, 
such as fat beef-steak, fresh eggs, raw, or but slightly 
cooked, fresh butter, oysters, fish, etc., are among the 
most nutritious and healthy articles of diet. 

Avoid undue exercise, and pay strict attention to bath- 
ing ; and, if possible, consult some one who knows the 
proper treatment of diseases of this class. 

BITES OF RABID ANIMALS. 

The preliminary treatment of bites from various reptiles 
and rabid animals, is much the same. Apply a ligature 
above and below the wounded part, at once. Apply so 
tight that it will produce absorption. Cut out the wounded 
part, or apply a cupping glass at once. Wash the wound 
with tepid water, then apply caustic potash, taking care to 
touch every part that the teeth came in contact with ; then 
wash the wound with vinegar; after which, dry the wound 
and sprinkle with sulphate morphia ; then poultice with — 



48 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

R. Saturated solution sulphite of soda 5 oz. 

Pulverized elm.. .(enough to make a poultice.) 
Apply, and change every three hours. The poison of rabid 
animals and venomous reptiles, seems to have a special affin- 
ity for the nervous system, consequently we have a long 
line of nervous derangements, pain in the wounded part, 
radiating in the course of the nerves, swelling, redness, or 
livid appearance of the features, rapidity of the pulse, 
hiccough, vomiting, shortness and difficulty in breathing, 
profuse sweat, convulsions, etc. These symptoms are best 
controlled by stimulants that control sensation, a large dose 
of brandy, ammonia, scuttilaria. In fact, thorough intoxi- 
cation, if no other remedies are at hand. Our best reme- 
dies are ten grains of carbonate of ammonia, every hour, 
with a tea of scullcap. The most common poisonous 
reptile, in our country, is the snake ; and I have cured many 
bites with lobelia, locally and internally. Administer 
freely. 

BURNS AND BRUISES. 

In these accidents, the great point is rest; and to pre- 
vent echymosis, stop pain, etc. no better means have been 
discovered than the following: 

R. Tincture arnica 1 oz. 

Tincture aconite . 1 oz. 

Aqua distil 2 oz. 

Muriate of ammonia 3 oz. 

Mix. Wet a piece of cloth, and keep constantly ap- 
plied. 

BONE. 

Bone is composed of fifty-three parts of the phosphates 
of lime, ten of carbonate ol lime, deposited in a gelatinous 
net work of cartillage, composing about thirty parts in the 
hundred, of bone. The remnant of the one hundred parts 
is made up of magnesia, soda, muriate of soda, oxide of 
iron, manganese, chloride of calcium. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 49 

The quantity of lime contained in the bones of the body 
varies considerably. The fixed salts are less in proportion 
as the medulary canal and cavities increase. The inorganic 
constituents increase with age. The phosphates and car- 
bonates of lime gradually increase from sixty- three to sixty- 
eight per cent. Bone is extremely liable to take on disease 
from constitutional cause, as poisons of mercury, syphilis, 
the degeneration of the blood in scrofula, cancer, etc. 

These morbid conditions are mostly developed in an 
inflammatory form, and the thickening exostosis, caries, 
necrosis, are but the result, or termination, of inflammation 
of the bone. 

Softening, or brittleness, is due to a lack of the 
constituent element that goes to make up the solid matter. 

BURSAL SWELLINGS. 

Bursal, or those small sacks, situated about the joints, 
especially the larger ones of the lower extremities, are 
prone, from irritation, to secrete an abnormal quantity of 
fluid. I have found, as remedial agents, the following 
treatment splendid : 

R, Stramonium ointment 1 oz. 

Iodide potass 3 drs. 

Iodine 3 grs. 

Mix. Spread on leather, and keep constantly applied. 
Or the following : 

R. Ointment belladonna ,1 oz. 

Iodide potass 4 drs. 

Veratrum 3 grs. 

Mix, and use as above. Then insert a piece of lint, sat- 
urated with carbolic acid lotion. Apply the same ex- 
ternally. Remove in forty-eight hours, and keep same 
lotion applied over the cicatrix. Give iron, cinchona, 
hydrastin, and wine bitters, as tonics. 



50 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

BRONCHITIS. 

This disease is met with in two forms. The common 
acute bronchitis is a severe inflammation, confined to the 
larger sub-division of the bronchi. Capillary bronchitis 
consists in inflammation restricted to the minute branches. 
These divisions are of no great importance, as both are 
inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial 
tubes. It may be acute or chronic, and may affect one 
or both lungs throughout, or only the upper tubes. In 
acute bronchitis we have clearness on percussion, on both 
sides of the chest. The respiratory murmur is harsh, and, 
in the early stage, the sound is what we may term a dry 
rale, and, in later stages, it assumes a moist sound, or rale. 
In the second form, capillary, we have a contraction or 
diminution of the calibre of the small tubes. The pres- 
ence of effusion in the tubes obstructs the passage of air 
to, and from, the vesicles. This obstruction gives it the 
form, or peculiarity, of this type. 

Bronchial inflammation is always accompanied with more 
or less congestion, and this gives rise to the peculiar res- 
piration, which is caused from the passage of air through 
the effused products. 

Many of the more urgent symptoms are due to this, as 
difficulty of breathing, sense of tightness, stricture, op- 
pression, wheezing, respiration, severe coughing, vertigo, 
pain in the head, expectoration of thick, glary mucous, 
and, afterwards of purulent secretion, weak pulse, foul 
tongue, headache, lassitude, anxiety, etc. Inflammation 
of the larger and medium-sized tubes is attended by less 
severe symptoms than general, or capillary, bronchitis. 
The capillary form is more frequent in the young and very 
old. It is usually recognized by its tendency to produce 
asphyxia, paroxysm, or difficulty of breathing, congestion, 
perpetual cough, general restlessness, increasing prostra- 
tion ; and, in fatal cases, somnolence, muttering, delirium, 
coma, etc. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 51 

Frequently one or more tubes choke up with phlegm, 
producing pulmonary collapse, the result of a portion of 
the lung being emptied of air. Vesicular emphysema 
may result from collapse ; a loss of function in a less por- 
tion of lung is generally compensated for by increase of 
volume in non-obstructed portions. 

In the early stages auscultation will detect two dry 
sounds — rhoncus and sibilus, in technical phraseology. 
Rhoncus is the peculiar sound belonging to affections of 
the larger bronchi ; sibilus denotes affection of smaller 
air-tubes, and is more dangerous. After the inflamed 
membrane has poured out fluid, we have the moist sound 
in place of the dry creptation. No marked alteration of 
sound of chest can be detected, except peculiar dullness 
on percussion 

Chronic bronchitis often succeeds an acute attack — some- 
times creeps on insidiously. It is of a slow, lingering form, 
generally indicated by cough, shortness of breath, copious 
expectorations ; aggravated by exposure to cold, or other 
depressing causes, difficulty of breathing, fever, and sweats 
at night. Bronchitis is frequently associated with laryngitis. 
It often follows, or accompanies measles, scarlatina, mucous 
phthisis, mechanical irritation. 

Treatment. — In acute bronchitis, confine your patient 
to his room, and to the recumbent position ; keep the tem- 
perature of the room up to 70 ; the atmosphere of the 
room should be kept moist by vapor — acidulated, if pos- 
sible. 

Arterial sedatives are demanded here, and none are 
better than the following: 

R. Tinct. acconti fol "J 

Tinct. veratrum veride Vaa J oz. 

Tinct. gelsemen sup J 

Dose. — Fifteen drops every three hours, until the pulse 
is reduced, and the fever diminished ; then give — 

Bromide pottas 8 grs. 

Glycerine ,..., \ oz, 

4 



52 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Give three times a day. Use dry cups to the chest, 
and some stimulating plaster, or poultice, constantly 
applied. Let the diet be beef tea, arrow root, mucilaginous 
drinks. 

Let special indications be met by proper remedies, inha- 
lation of atomized vapors ; give mild cathartic to remove 
constipation. 

Sanguinaria is a most excellent remedy. The acetic 
tincture of sanguinaria, in ten to fifteen-drop doses, is 
excellent, and will do more to relieve bronchial inflamma- 
tion than any other one remedy. 

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. 

This is most common in advanced life. 

Symptoms. — In mild forms it is attended by a slight 
cough and shortness of breath, copious expectoration, ag- 
gravated always by exposure to cold or damp, bad diet, 
etc. In cases of worse form the same symptoms are pres- 
ent with an increased severity. It may continue for years, 
never giving much trouble, but at the same time gradually 
undermining the system, and preparing the way for other 
diseases. 

The treatment will consist of alteratives and tonics, with 
the sanguinaria, as directed in acute cases ; salt water 
baths to the chest, nitro muriatic acid dil. before meals, 
compound tincture cinchona after meals, a good nutritive 
diet, etc. 

BRONCHOCELE. 

This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland ; it is 
a true hypertrophy, and may be divided into three 
forms, according to the tissue involved — vascular, glandu- 
lar, and a calcarious — a chalky transformation. Vascular 
goitre consists merely of congested engorgement from 
suppressed menstruation, amenorrhcea, etc. These glands 
are properly supplied with blood-vessels, and are liable to 
take on congestion from very slight cause. Vascular 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 53 

goitre sometimes terminates in the rupture of a blood ves- 
sel of the gland, and the effused blood being absorbed, the 
tumor disappears, or, in other cases, not being taken up 
by the absorbents, it forms the basis for a calcarious de- 
posit. 

Glandular goitre consists of an abnormal development 
of the glandular capsules distended by a gelatinous fluid. 
This gland is soft and yielding to the finger. The chalky 
transformation or calcarious deposit is of a more hard and 
unyielding nature. 

Symptoms. — We meet with cases where the whole gland 
is enlarged, others where the centre, or one side only, is in- 
volved. Many cases suffer no inconvenience, save the 
deformity. In others we have severe constitutional symp- 
toms, general debility, diminished red corpuscles in the 
blood, palpitation, mental depression, dyspepsia, difficult 
respiration, difficulty of swallowing from presence of the 
tumor, with irregularity of the uterine functions, scanty 
menstruation, profuse eucorrhcea. 

Causes. — The deformity or disease is common in some 
localities, and has been attributed to some peculiar calcari- 
ous or chalky principle in the water — magnesia or lime- 
stone for instance. 

Treatment. — If possible, change of residence should 
be our first step. Under all circumstances, the disease is 
usually influenced by proper remedies, and the use of 
means over these glandular enlargements, is often astonish 
ing. Iodine is the favorite remedy with the old school, 
and acts well in some cases ; but we have found the iodide 
of ammonia, locally, with a good vegetable alterative, 
combined with iodide of potash, internally, a most excel- 
lent prescription. Locally, bromide potassium and iodide 
of potassium, equal parts, dissolved in water, and applied 
to the tumor three times a day. Use phytolaca ointment 
occasionally, good diet, saltwater baths, etc. 



54 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

BURNS. 

Burns need no description. It is only in the extent, 
etc., that we have variations. Redness, vessication, or 
death of the parts, are the condition of burns. The in- 
tense pain and shock to the nervous system, are the symp- 
toms we have to combat. 

Treatment. — In every case of burns, you should care- 
fully exclude the air. The first application should be a 
stimulant; second, an emulcent ; and, lastly, a mild astrin- 
gent, to heal the ulcer. The following is the very best 
universal remedy for burns that I have ever tried : 

R. Acid carbolic 2 oz. 

Olive oil 7 oz. 

Mix, and saturate a piece of lint, apply over the burn, 
and cover with oiled silk. 

You can, by this, relieve the pain instantly, prevent 
ulceration and cicatrix ; or, in a word, take out the fire, 
and heal the burn at once. Continue for three to twelve 
days, according to the severity of burn. 

CARDIAC DISEASE. 

The heart and its appendages are the subject of quite a 
number of diseases. Being a muscular organ, it is exceed- 
ingly liable to take on all forms of disease common to 
muscular fibre. The most common is atrophy, where the 
fibre is replaced or superseded by fat. Simple atrophy oc- 
curs in connection with some other disease, as cancer, tu- 
berculous diabetes. The whole heart decreases in size ; 
the area of dullness or percussion is less; the heart dimin- 
ishes in weight, from nine to four ounces ; muscular fibre 
pale and soft. Degeneration of the heart is invariably the 
result of atrophy, and occurs in conjunction with fatty dis- 
ease of the kidneys, liver, cornia, etc. 

Symptoms. — Feeble action of the heart, feeble contrac- 
tion of the brain, slow pulse — 45 or 50 — general debility, 
transient attacks of blindness and faintness, great nervous 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 55 

prostration, general loss of tone, heart sounds weak and 
feeble, difficulty of breathing ; symptoms of angina pec- 
toris may be present ; common in males over forty ; fre- 
quently cause sudden rupture. Fatty growths or deposits 
are, under certain circumstances, often met with upon the 
heart, or among its muscular fibres. We find it alone or in 
conjunction with general obesity, or in association with fatty 
degeneration. It may give rise to all the symptoms of an 
enlarged heart, producing impediments to its functions. 
The pulse is usually quicker, but its force is diminished. 

The increase of diseases of the heart among our Amer- 
ican people is alarming. It is, no doubt, due to the greater 
intensity of the mental emotions and passions, for which 
we, as a nation and people, are noted. 

Mental anxiety or depression make great depredation 
on the function and structure of the heart. 

Treatment— In simple atrophy of the heart, fatty de- 
generation and fatty deposits, diet has more effect than 
medicines. Restriction in diet is seldom effectual in either 
diminishing or preventing the superabundance of fat. Far- 
inacious diet, the use of acids, wine or vinegar, has the 
property of reducing fat or preventing its accumulation. 

Our best means are attention to the digestive organs, 
pure air, regular hours, exercise, and avoidance of over- 
excitement of any kind. Tepid baths of salt water, nitro- 
muriatic acid in bitters, asparagus, bromide of potassium, 
with the alterative syrup, are our best remedies. 

CARDIAC DILATION. 

Hypertrophy of the heart, with dilation known as active 
dilation, where the expansion predominates over the hy- 
pertrophy ; simple dilation, where the thickness of the walls 
are normal ; passive dilation, where the walls are thinned — 
conditions often combined with mal-nutrition of the heart, 
and fatty degeneration of the muscular fibre. We may 
often trace it to wasting disease, and frequently it depends 
on a disturbed circulation affecting the brain. When this 



56 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

is the case, we have headache, giddiness, irritability, irreg- 
ular circulation, and, frequently, from this cause, one or 
the other chambers, of the heart becomes thicker, more 
dilated than natural ; or, from the same mechanical cause, 
the free exit of the blood is prevented. 

Symptoms. — We have a small, weak pulse, coldness of 
the extremities, giddiness, deranged digestion, attacks of 
fainting, paroxysms of asthmatic appearance, restless nights, 
palpitation, and this may be followed by anasarca, or 
ascites. 

The symptoms are always present, to a certain extent, 
and must be carefully noted, and our treatment directed 
accordingly. 

Treatment. — The chief indications are, to rectify any 
abnormal conditions, and improve the general well- being 
of the patient. Aid digestion with such tonics as hydran- 
gia and cinchona; stimulate the skin with warm medicated 
baths ; remove existing tendency to hypertrophy, with the 
alterative syrup, combined with equal parts of bromide 
and iodide of potassium. Veratrum and wild cherry pro- 
motes muscular forces, and imparts tone and strength to 
the same; hydrastis canedensis, myrica cer., imparts 
energy to the muscular fibre of the heart ; the cactus 
grandefloris is splendid ; also, chlorine and nux vomica. 

CARDIAC FUNCTIONAL DERANGEMENTS. 

Functional derangements of the heart often so closely 
resemble organic affections, as to be mistaken for them. 
Functional derangements mostly occur in the various phases 
of hysteria, as uterine or ovarian irritation, aneurism, 
chlorosis. It is often a symptom of nervous excitement, 
mental anxiety, fatigue, excesses ; sometimes due to a great 
variety of causes, as dyspepsia, diseases of the liver, lungs, 
or blood ; the metastasis of gout, or rheumatism ; to the 
use of tea, tobacco, alcoholic stimulants, etc. 

Defective appetite, general weakness, and indisposition to 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 57 

exertion, the mind irritable, the sleep prevented by excess- 
ive action of the heart, are characteristic of the functional 
derangements. 

The most prominent symptoms are functional derange- 
ment or irregularity of the pulse, fluttering, palpitation, 
difficulty of breathing, mental depression, dyspepsia, flatu- 
lency, and eructions ; swelling over the region of the heart, 
pain in the pericardic region, abnormal sound, general dis- 
turbed circulation, inability to lie on the affected side, owing 
to tenderness, occasional attacks of giddiness, fainting fits, 
headache, etc. Noises in the ears, flushing of the face, 
violent pulsation in aorta globus, gastric cerebral, and 
cardiac irritation, produce a long chain of disordered irri- 
tation. 

Treatment. — The treatment of all these cases, or where 
it is dependent upon weakness, is to increase the strength 
by the best of nourishment, tonics, baths, proper exercise, 
and the use of some preparation of iron. In chlorosis, 
the different preparations of iron, phosphorus, nux vomica, 
hydrastia. In all cases we must study the case, and apply 
our remedies to the removal of causes. When the symp- 
toms are allayed, and their cause removed, we have but 
little more trouble. If the patient is of a rheumatic dia 
thesis, then we will find a liberal use of alkalines advis- 
able, soda, lime, litha, carbonate of soda, etc. If associ- 
ated with uterine derangement, we must first cure the 
womb trouble, and then we shall have no symptoms of 
cardiac or heart derangement. 

We should, in nearly every case, resort to alteratives, 
hip-baths, counter irritants, etc. Internally, phosphorus, 
ergot, etc. 

In all forms of functional derangement of the heart, due 
attention should be paid to diet. Let it be nourishing 
and strengthening all the way through, easily digested ; 
acids and sugar are always injurious. Moderate exercise 
in open air, salt water baths, etc. , are good. 



58 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY. 

The area of dullness or percussion over the heart, in 
health, is four square .inches, or the closed fist of the pa- 
tient. 

The weight of the heart in a male adult of average size 
is nine and a half ounces, in females eight and a half oun- 
ces, until after fifty years of age it weighs more, the thick- 
ness of its walls and ventricles having increased. 

Hypertrophy may exist from a mere thickening of the 
muscular walls, without any diminution in the size of the 
channels Hypertrophy, in any form, prevents the free 
flow of blood from the organ. We most frequently meet 
with hypertrophy of left ventricle, with disease of the val- 
vular structure. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle is 
sometimes met with, due to, or connected with, some 
chronic or organic affection of the lungs, obstructing the 
circulation. 

Symptoms. — These will depend entirely upon the extent 
of the hypertrophy. We shall find an increased area of 
dullness, palpitation, difficult breathing, uneasiness or weak- 
ness in chest upon walking fast, headache, vertigo, peculiar 
sound upon applying the ear to the region of the heart — 
sound not so distinct as in health — extent of pulsation 
considerably increased. 

Treatment. — Keep the circulation equalized, and, to this 
end, we would recommend veratrum, aconite, and digitalis; 
of these we would advise equal parts of the tincture, and 
give ten to fifteen drops in water, three or four times a 
day. Where we have a debilitated condition of patient, give 
the syrup hypophosphite, soda, lime, and iron, as pre- 
pared at the Eclectic Dispensary, nitro muriatic acid, fifteen 
drops of the diluted preparation, half an hour after each 
meal. Remedies designed for permanent effect are, bro- 
mide potass., asparagin, cerasine, hydrocyanic acid, iodide 
potass. ; gold, counter irritation, etc. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 59 

CAEDIAC RUPTURE. 

Rupture of the heart may occur instantaneously, inde- 
pendent of any disease ; sometimes caused by external 
violence, laceration of walls of ventricle ; most common 
rupture of valves may result from endo carditis ; laceration 
of muscular walls may occur as a symptom of fatty degen- 
eration. It may occur from rupture of ventricular walls ; 
death usually results immediately. If not, we have great 
difficulty of breathing, intense prostration, fainting, convul- 
sions. In these cases we need not prescribe, as death is 
inevitable. Stimulants may revive for a few moments. 
We often hear the expression of a " broken heart, " from 
grief or trouble. This is one of the impossibilities, unless 
connected with other disease of heart; and, by the way, 
much of the emotional nature is credited to the heart, 
when, really, the heart is not the organ of thought, or 
emotion, but a muscle that controls the circulation of the 
blood, etc. 

CARDIAC VALVULAR DISEASE. 

The frequency, and fatal results, of valvular disease 
should never be lost sight of. The heart is a single organ, 
with the one function of propelling the blood through the 
system. It consists of a number of parts, each dependent 
upon the other for action. If the ventricle or valves of the 
left are injured, the right cannot do their work. Unlike 
most other organs, one part cannot take the place of 
another ; rest is impossible ; no repairing process here. 
We may enjoy tolerable health with one lung impaired, 
with one kidney not acting, or performing its functions ; 
but no disease of the heart can be compensated for in any 
way. Inflammatory attacks, rheumatism, gout, insufficient 
food, mental anxiety, overwork, alcoholic stimulants, to- 
bacco, violent exercise, are among the exciting causes of 
disease of the valvular structure. 

All the internal alterations in the heart result from in- 
flammation. This gives rise to a deposit of lymph, or matter, 



60 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

beneath the serous membranes ; and, in this way, the valves 
lose their transparency, and become thick, puckered, 
and adhering to each- other. The valves often become 
covered with exudations, vegetation, or excrescences, be- 
come ossified, or the seat of calcareous deposits. The 
natural result is a contraction or narrowing of the orifice, 
obstructing the passage of the blood ; valvular obstruction, 
or we may have thickening or shortening of the valves to 
make the orifice more or less potent, and permit regurgi- 
tation of blood; valvular insufficiency, regurgitation; 
valvular obstruction or insufficiency often exist at the same 
time. 

Diagnosis. — Both sounds of the heart are accompanied 
with bellows-murmur, harsh, rasping, cooing, or whistling. 
The different sounds are caused by some obstruction to the 
free flow of the blood. 

The true sounds, diastole and systole, are the result of 
the free flow of blood and healthy action of the heart. 
The diastole sound is produced by a dilation, or spreading 
out of the heart and arteries, when the blood enters the 
cavities ; systole, when these organs contract to send forth 
the blood. 

Symptoms. — In valvular disease, we have difficulty of 
breathing, increased by exertion, palpitation, and irregular 
action of the heart, with abnormal sound, or murmuring, 
detected by application of the ear over the heart, attenua- 
tion in the pulse, soft and irregular in mitrol disease ; hard 
and jerking, but regular, in diseases of the aortae. Con- 
gestion of lungs, bronchitis, pneumonia, hemorrhage from 
nose, bronchi and stomach, oedema of lower extremities, 
arms, face, etc., dropsical effusion of feet, legs, stomach, 
and abdomen ; headache, neuralgia, and constant noise in 
the ears. We usually have broken rest, frightful dreams; 
enlargement of the liver and spleen may ensue, digestion 
is impaired, cheeks puffed, lips red, or purple, eyes assume 
a peculiar, bright appearance. As the disease advances, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 61 

patient becomes weak, nervous, suffers from over-exertion, 
mental emotion, food, exposure, etc. Death, usually, 
may be attributed, not directly to the disease of the heart, 
but to some secondary disease. 

Treatment. — Must be directed to control the inordinate 
action of the heart, to ward off, or relieve, the other symp- 
toms, as they appear, impart tone and strength to the 
general system — to the heart especially. When we have 
dropsical effusions, give — 

R. Podophyllin 30 grs. 

Nitrate potass 1 drm. 

Bitartrate potass.... J oz. 

Mix, and make ten powders. Give one morning and 
night. Give, occasionally, a teaspoonful of creamor tartar, 
in a wineglass of water, with eight or ten drops of tincture 
of digitalis ; alkaline bath, three to six times a week. In 
addition, we want something to act on the blood — in- 
crease the quantity, and improve the quality. We may 
substitute one-tenth of a grain of elaterine for the podo- 
phyllin. If the case does not improve, I have found the 
following very good : 

R. Fluid extract buchu 2 oz 

Fluid extract uva ursi 1 oz. 

Hydrangea 2 oz. 

Eupator pur .2 oz. 

Tinct. veratrum viride 2 dr. 

Spirits nitre dil J oz. 

Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful every three hours during 
the day, and to ten o'clock at night. As a tonic, we 
should give cinchona compound, with phosphorus, as fol- 
lows : 

R. Tinct. cinchona compound 8 oz. 

Aciditum phosphoricum dil... 2 oz. 

Syrupus simplex 6 oz. 

Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 



62 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

This may be alternated with fluid extract of prunis vir- 
ginicus, or wild cherry ; dose, twenty drops after meals. 
A good nutritious diet is among one of the best remedies, 
and should not be lost sight of. 

CARDITIS. 

Inflammation of the fleshy part of the heart is often met 
with. We shall find, in all such cases, acute pain in the 
region of the heart, which will be increased by exercise or 
over-exertion ; sense of heat in the chest, fulness, palpita- 
tion, mental excitement, rapid and difficult respiration, dry, 
spasmodic cough, pulse small and action increased. 

We have, usually, great anxiety, dread of suffocation, 
absence of the natural murmur or sound of the heart, fe- 
verish symptoms, some portions of the body cold while 
others are burning ; countenance expressive of anxious 
foreboding, patient naturally desponding, irritable, restless, 
palpitation becomes alarming, often faintness when rising 
up, etc. 

Causes. — Among these we may mention grief, joy, 
mental anxiety, violent muscular exertions, mechanical in- 
juries, rheumatism, gout, etc., etc. 

Treatment. — Our best remedy is tinct. aconite foiia- 
tum, five drops in a tablespoonful of water, until we have 
free perspiration. We may use stimulating liniments over 
the region of the heart. Tinct. or fluid extract asclepias 
will have a good effect here ; give, say, fifteen drops three 
or four times a day. 

Pericarditis, of a chronic type, is frequently met with in 
this country. It is a result, or symptom, of rheumatism, 
constitutional syphilis, and is, sometimes, due to inherited 
defects. I have found, in treating this disease, nothing 
acts so well as alteratives, sedatives, and tonics. Under 
a judicious course of this kind it soon disappears. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 63 

I would advise — 

R. Syrup corydallis 14 oz. 

Iodide of potassia f oz. 

Aqua 2 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful before each meal. 

Also — 

R. Fluid ext. asclepias tub J oz. 

Fluid extract prunis virginicus J oz. 

Cimifuga J oz. 

Populus trem i oz. 

Dose. — Twenty drops after each meal. At night, give — 

Tinct. aconite fol 6 dr. 

Fluid extract gelsemin 2 dr. 

Dose. — Fifteen drops in water just before retiring; a 
good, nutritious diet ; freedom of, or from, mental anxiety, 
etc. 

CANCER. 

Carcinoma, no matter under what form it makes its 
appearance, is but the local manifestation of a specific dis- 
ease of the blood — a disease of deficient or degenerated 
vitality — where the corpuscles of the blood, from their 
natural, round appearance, assume almost every shape — a 
peculiar, cell shape — which is constantly developing and 
increasing in the blood, just as vitality decreases. We may 
divide cancer into three separate forms, or varieties, dis- 
tinct, and differing, from each other, yet more, or less, de- 
structive : Epthelial cancer is a variety in which the cell 
growth is smallest, ranging from 800 to 1,200 to the square 
inch. Medulary is the largest cell growth, containing only 
400 to 800 to the inch. Scirrhus, or hard, cancer ; the 
fibres are thick and extensive, chronic in its nature, yet 
the hardest to remove, or control. 

In order to make our non-professional readers familiar 
with the different forms, we shall adopt the division we 
gave them some years ago : 



64 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The fissure cancer, the spider, bone, rose, sleepy, wolf, 
or lupus, black scaly, and the bleeding cancer. 

I propose to take them up under these heads, and de- 
scribe to the best of my ability. 

The Fissure Cancer. 

This first makes its appearance in a dry crack, and often 
looks like a deep cut, made with a knife. The crack, or 
fissure, grows gradually deeper and dryer, and the sur- 
rounding parts harden, until the glands and muscles con- 
tiguous would seem to have turned to bone. 

Location. — This cancer is found on the lips, ears and 
nose, and, in females, often met with in the uterus. 

Symptoms. — It sometimes bleeds; is, from the first, 
very painful, and extremely difficult to cure. 

This arises, in part, from its nature not being under- 
stood, and the disease being tampered with until it is be- 
yond reach. Properly treated, in season, it can be readily 
cured. 

The Spider Cancer. 

This form very much resembles a spider in shape. It 
has numerous prongs or legs, running off in every direc- 
tion. 

It gives great uneasiness, and the nerves become ex- 
tremely sensitive — a creeping sensation, with stinging 
pains. 

Location. — It is usually met with about the face, on the 
temples, under the eye, and sometimes appears very large 
on the female breast, and, occasionally, on other parts of 
the system, both externally and internally. 

Symptoms. — Always known by its numerous little prongs, 
or limbs, which differ in color — white, pale, red ; seldom 
grows very large, unless cut into, or divided with the knife, 
When this is done, each prong forms a new cancer, and 
commences to eat and destroy the parts very fast. 

My advice is, never disturb this form of cancer, unless 
you are sure of succeeding in destroying it entirely ; for, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 65 

unless every little fibre is destroyed and removed, root and 
branch, we shall have a return, and a rapid termination of 
the case. 

Rose Cancer. 

This takes its name from first appearing like a rose bud, 
and opening (as it advances) like a full-blown rose. 

Location. — It is found on the. nose, lips, heart, vagina, 
ovaria, and womb of women ; but, in men, it is usually 
met with on the nose and lips, commencing in the form of 
a small sore. May be met with on any part, both extern- 
ally and internally. 

Symptoms. — It grows from the size of an egg to that of a 
water bucket, (I have removed one myself nearly the latter 
size,) accompanied with sharp and lacerating pains, with 
a heavy and usually very offensive discharge, gradually en- 
larging, until the vital powers grow weaker ; then it pro- 
gresses rapidly, destroying life by the extreme drain, and 
decreased vital powers. 

Bone Cancer. 

Known by its hard, bony appearance. 

Location. — Usually, on the under lip, jaw, etc. May 
appear over any bone, or in the form of ulceration of the 
bone. 

Symptoms. — There is induration, or ulcerated centre, 
with ring, or hard base. It is very painful, and emits a 
white, and extremely offensive matter; it eats all the flesh 
where it goes, until it destroys the life of the sufferer. If 
this form of cancer gets far advanced, we can scarce hope 
for a cure ; but, in its early stage, it is amenable to treat- 
ment. 

Sleepy Cancer. 

Is a tumor, giving comparatively little uneasiness, until 
it attains a large size, when it starts into a raging fury, 
and emits a foul, putrid smell, offensive to the inmates of 
the house, and even the neighbors — often so offensive that 



66 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

it may be smelt across the street. The invalid leads a 
miserable life, until death relieves him from further suffer- 
ing. 

Wolf Cancer, or Lupus. 

This is, perhaps, the worst of all the different forms of 
cancer. From its devouring quality, I have given it the 
name wolf, after the ferocious animal bearing that title. 
Often, when as small as a pea, it begins to consume its 
victim. 

Location. — The Wolf Cancer is found on the nose, 
tongue, ear, around the eyes, on the larynx, womb, heart, 
liver, breast; in fact, may appear on any pa c of the 
body. 

Symptoms. — It commences by eating away the flesh, 
and everything it encounters is cankered, and is extremely 
painful ; in fact, symptoms and effects of it are, to the pa- 
tient, a perfect torment — a hell upon earth. 

Black Scaly Cancer. 

This cancer is known by its dark or black dandruff, or 
scale, which covers it over as it spreads. 

Location. — May appear on any part of the body. 

Symptoms. — This cancer itches and stings, and affects 
the nerves with a sensation like that of a fly crawling over 
the skin. When long continued, it will break out in a foul 
black ulcer, or sore. It arises from impurities of the 
blood. 

Bleeding Cancer 

Appears often in the form of a tumor. 

Location. — Appears to be governed by mechanical 
causes. Bruises, or inflammation, when the body is dis- 
eased, may lead to their appearance in any locality. 

Symptoms. — Red, fiery, bleeding, and exceedingly pain- 
ful and troublesome. 

I have given the different varieties in plain language. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 67 

My practice, extending through a long series of years, has 
given me opportunity to examine, treat, and fully investi- 
gate every form of cancer, and my decision has been that, 
no matter to what cl?ss they belong, they are due to impu- 
rities of the blood — to a want of nutrition, assimilation, 
and an entire change in the blood, through which the nerv- 
ous system is impaired, and the disease takes a firm hold 
upon the system. We may trace glandular swellings, 
scrofulous and fungus tumors, moles, polypuses, etc., to 
blows, bruises and other injuries, but, underlying all this, 
is an impure state of the blood, upon which all malignant 
tendencies depend. We may trace cancer to scrofulous 
taint, venereal poisoning, suppressed menstruation, and 
other causes, directly, but the investigations of the ablest 
physicians, of every age, have shown that the life-principle 
— the blood — is directly, or indirectly, the source of them 
all, appear how, and when, they may. Once this fact is 
admitted, the knife becomes a thing of the past in treatment 
of cancers, and our best physicians will put their heads 
together to discover a more safe and rapid cure. 

I have, to bear me out in my assertion, of impure blood 
and a low vitality being the source and life of cancer, such 
names as Lewis, Parry, Young, Adams, Hippocrates, 
Galen, Crabbins, Boerhave, Cullen, Hamilton, Hill, Par- 
sons, Mosely, Bell, Monroe, and other eminent physicians, 
of every age, since the first days of medicine. As well cut 
off a finger to cure rheumatism, when it is in the whole 
system. 

Treatment of Cancer. — Experience in the treatment, 
and close observation of the progress, of cancer have fully 
convinced me, as before remarked, that cancer is a blood 
disease, dependent upon a peculiar cell-growth, or principle 
in the blood that keeps the disease alive, and nourishes the 
fibre, and, at the same time, so undermines the general 
health, that the nervous system is soon so much impaired, 
that a cure is very difficult. Now, science fully demon- 
5 



68 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

strates that any effort to destroy cancer with potass., any 
surgical operation to remove the disease, or by the knife, 
or other mere local application, will not cure cancer. It 
may arrest it for a short time, but it will return. 

No ordinary alterative will eradicate it from the blood ; 
nothing but a treatment calculated to cut off nutrition and 
destroy, neutralize this principle in the blood, can be relied 
upon. 

Have we such a remedy, or combination of remedies? 
I answer, we have — and I propose to give them in as few, 
plain, practical directions as possible. First — this for the 
blood : 

R. Rumex crisp J lb. 

Taraxacum J lb. 

Alnus rub J lb. 

Chionanthus - J lb. 

Iris versicola J lb. 

Podophyllin pel J lb. 

Dulcamara J lb. 

To twelve pounds of the finest loaf sugar add, say, 
half gallon of water ; boil until thoroughly dissolved. Let 
it cool, and add to it the above articles ; thoroughly in- 
corporate, then add. say, one-half pint of alcohol, and it is 
ready for use. 

To each pint of this medicine add one half ounce chlo- 
rate of carbon, and give one teaspoonful three or four 
times a day. At the same time give the following after 
meals. 

R. Tinct. nux vomica J oz. 

Tinct. sanguinaria J oz. 

Cinchona comp J oz. 

Dioscorea J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops, in water, after each meal. 
If the pain is severe, give fifteen drops fluid extract 
Phytolacca at bed-time. 

Second, the local treatment : After using the constitu- 
tional treatment for two weeks, if the cancer is not yet 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 69 

suppurated, that is, if the skin is not broken, and the can- 
cer discharging, brush the tumor with fluoric acid, taking 
care not to let it touch any but the region of the tumor. 
Apply this twice a day for a week, then poultice with elm, 
or anything most convenient, until the dead part drops out. 
Should the whole mass not be destroyed at first, continue 
the application of the acid until it is ready to slough again. 
This treatment is intended for cancers not broken, but 
yet so far advanced as to make absorption impossible. 

When the tumor is small, we may, by persevering with 
the constitutional treatment, and the application of the fol- 
lowing plaster, produce absorption of the tumor without 
breaking the skin : 

R. Iodide of potass ... 1 oz. 

Muriate of ammonia 1-oz 

Stramonium ointment 2 oz. 

Pulverize the iodide potass, and the ammonia, and thor- 
oughly incorporate it with the stramonium ointment. 
Spread on leather, and. keep constantly applied to the 
tumor, renewing twice a day. If, however, the cancer is 
sloughing, and a putrid, malignant ulcer exists, we would 
advise the following course of treatment : 

R. Permanganate potass. 4 grs. 

Water 8 oz. 

Keep constantly applied with lint, until the offensive 
discharge is corrected, then add one drachm of terchloride 
of carbon to a pint of water, and apply to the cancer two 
or three times a day. Dress with some healing salve, and 
you will be astonished at the progress of the cure. 

The author of this work ventures to assert he 
has cured — made more permanent cures — of cancer, 
than any physician, of his age, in the United States. The 
only barrier in the way of the above treatment, is the 
difficulty of obtaining the medicines. The chlorate and 
terchloride of carbon are not manufactured in this country ; 
and, having to be imported, makes them both scarce and 



70 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

costly. I do not sell them, so you cannot imagine I am wri- 
ting this as an advertisement. After the cancer is out and 
healed up, we must not relax our efforts, but keep steady 
on with the blood treatment, until the last vestige of the 
disease is eradicated. 

Even in advanced cases, this treatment will make an 
entire change in the progress of the case. I have kept 
patients alive and comfortable for years, even in hopeless 
cases. 

One great trouble or drawback in treating, is that they 
are usually neglected, left alone, or improperly treated, 
until they are hopeless, before any rational treatment is 
adopted. We have so many pretended cancer doctors, 
so many infallible remedies, etc., that no one can wonder, 
that between these charlatans, the disease, arsenic, and the 
knife, cancer assumes a formidable shape sure enough ; but 
I venture to say, under a rational treatment, taken in time, 
and properly managed, we should have no more fatality 
attending this disease, than many others now considered 
of much less importance. 

CARIES. 

This is one of the results of inflammation of spongy and 
soft ends of bones — a softening, or disintegration, with sup- 
puration of surrounding soft tissue. 

Among the most prominent causes, we find scrofula, 
syphilis, or mercury, or all combined, and no more terrible 
trio of elements of human destruction exists than this. 

The symptoms of caries are usually obscure, at first — 
(very apt, by young practitioners, and inexperienced 
nurses, to be attributed to gout, or rheumatism,) pain deep- 
seated, redness, swelling of parts over the seat of pain. 
After this continues some time, we have an abscess burst. 
The discharge is fcetid, bloody, and, if closely examined, 
loaded with granules of bone. Upon the introduction of a 
probe, it will readily reach the bone — in fact, penetrate it — 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 71 

and produce to the feel a gritty sensation ; we have serious 
and great constitutional disturbance. 

Treatment. — Build up the constitution, improve the 
quality and increase the quantity of blood ; eradicate the 
condition upon which the disease depends. We need the 
best of diet, and this is often of as much, or more, impor- 
tance than medicine ; beef, eggs, milk, oysters, fish, as a 
diet, with compound syrup of frostwort, with iodide potass., 
or iodide of iron. Locally, we must have strict cleanliness 
observed, and occasional injections of permanganate of 
potass., in solution, eight grains to the pint of clear water. 
A tea of the bark of the root of bayberry is one of the best 
local applications we can make. Under this treatment the 
disease will soon disappear. 

CATALEPSY. 

This remarkable disease of the brain, or nerve centre, is 
characterized by a sudden deprivation of sense, of intelli- 
gence, and voluntary motion. We find patients retain the 
same position, during the whole paroxysm, as that they 
held when first attacked, or in which you place them, during 
the continuance of the fit. A single attack, or seizure, 
may last from a few minutes to several hours or days. 
These attacks are intermittent, without regard to period- 
icity. 

There may be some premonitory symptoms : headache, 
mutability of temper, yawning, vertigo, palpitation, slight 
spasms, confusion of mind or sense ; but, usually, the 
seizure is sudden, and without warning or yreparation ; the 
eyes are fixed, sometimes open, sometimes shut, pupils 
dilated. Restoration usually occurs just as suddenly, ac- 
companied with sighing, pain, and confusion of the head, 
with no recollection of what has occurred. No effort to 
restore consciousness is effectual. Nervous and hysterical 
women are more liable to its effects, but men are not ex- 
empt from them. 

Catalepsy differs from ecstacy, somnambulism, or clair- 



72 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

voyance. Catalepsy is produced by a diseased condition, 
while the others are due to, and produced by, voluntary 
effort ; absence of mind is a mild form of catalepsy. 

Mesmerism and spiritualism are also species of the same. 
Our prognosis of catalepsy is, that there is little danger in 
the largest proportion of cases — it may terminate in apo- 
plexy, insanity, or softening of the brain. It is often con 
nected with some organic affection of the brain, as a tu- 
mor. 

Predisposing causes may be anything that diminishes 
vital powers and increases the susceptibility of the nervous 
system, such as depressing passions, hereditary debility, 
intense mental labor, scrofulous taint, mercurial or ven- 
ereal poisoning, hereditary or congenital. Excesses in 
venery are another predisposing cause, the effects of which 
are more fully described in my work on nervous vitality. 
The exciting causes are severe mental emotions, fright, 
long mental application ; and, also, in females, sometimes 
due to suppression of the menses, and inflammation of the 
womb and ovaries. 

Treatment. — All treatment, to be successful, must be 
directed to removal of predisposing causes, and avoiding 
the exciting causes. We should give the alterative sy- 
rup — full dose — three times a day. Give, also, in con- 
nection, tonics, hydrastis, cimicifuga or cinchona, half 
hour after meals, with fifteen drops of tincture nux vomica 
at bed-time. I have found hot baths three times a week, 
with the following, acts well : 

Acid phosphoric dilut 2 fl.oz. 

Syrup simplex 14 fl.oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. Give half an 
hour after meals, tincture calabar bean, twenty drops. 

CATARRH. 

Nasal catarrh is most prevalent in this climate, but ca- 
tarrh consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane 
of some portion of the air passages. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 73 

We usually have, in the acute stage, sneezing, and free 
discharge of water from the nostrils — often of a hot, burn- 
ing, excoriating nature. We have increased secretion from 
lachrymal glands, slight headache, stuffed up feeling in the 
head, chilliness, fever, hoarseness, cough, sore throat, 
arrested secretion, furred tongue, loss of appetite, accelera- 
ted circulation, lassitude. 

Different names are applied to it, as it affects different 
parts. Coryza, when it affects the head mainly : catarrhal 
cephalagia, when it affects the frontal sinus, or front of the 
head ; bronchitis, when its force falls upon the bronchial 
tubes and trachea. Catarrh, as before remarked, properly 
speaking, belongs to the mucous lining of the nasal cavity 
and throat. It is extremely prevalent, and rapidly on the 
increase, especially in the South. Patients of a strumous, 
or scrofulous, diathesis, are more liable to the chronic form 
than any other class. Among this class, I often find nasal 
catarrh has assumed a low, nervous type, and requires a 
constitutional treatment before anything can be effected. 
We often have a discharge from the nostril so acrid as to 
remove all the skin, as it comes in contact with it ; and 
being of a saline nature, we have intense suffering to follow. 
This type, after the disease has run for some days, or weeks, 
may wholly disappear, change to a chronic form, or 
assume the form of tonsilitis, or bronchial inflammation 
may supervene. If we have violent catarrhal inflamma- 
tion, in a cachectic patient, we may have ulceration as a 
result. 

Prognosis. — In its primary condition, catarrh is no more 
than a specific irritation of the mucous membrane of the 
nostrils, extending to the other adjoining mucous surface in 
throat, etc. The peculiar influence that produces acute 
catarrh, affects the nervous system, and especially those 
that supply the disordered surface— thus communicating 
it to the whole system through the blood, secretion and 
circulation in the parts affected, are both terribly deranged. 



74 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The variation and modification of the disease depends 
upon the part and extent of the surface affected, the con- 
stitutional disturbance; and amount of irritation produced. 
Treatment. — In all acute attacks, an emetic of comp. 
powder of lobelia will usually be sufficient, especially if 
followed by a hot bath. Should fever be high, give tinct. 
aconite leaves, fifteen drops every four hours, until the 
fever subsides, and, for an ordinary attack, a cup of com- 
position tea will often cure you in a single night. I am 
somewhat partial to inhalation, or atomizer, in recent cases, 
and for this we have nothing better than tincture sanguina- 
ria, or a solution permanganate of potassia. 

These atomizers, or inhalers, can be bought for five or 
six dollars, and are really a great thing to have in the 
house, and nothing acts half so promptly as the steam atom- 
izer, in acute cases. When it becomes chronic, we must 
resort to our best vegetable alteratives, nerve-tonics, and 
local applications, to relieve congestion, and dry up the 
unhealthy secretion. 

R. Compound syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass J oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 
After meals — 

Fluid ext. alnus rub 15 drops. 

Locally, use permanganate potass, in solution, eight 
grains to one pint of clear water. Alternate with — 

R. Carbolic acid 2 grs. 

Aqua 4 oz. 

Glycerine 2 oz. 

Spirits camphor i oz. 

Throw up the nostril, one-fourth at night, and one-fourth 
in the morning. 

CELLULAR INFLAMMATION. 

Deep-seated inflammation of the cellular tissue may arise 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 75 

from punctures or abrasions received in performing post- 
mortem examination, examining malignant ulcers, etc. 
Bites of venomous reptiles will produce same result ; also, 
contact with lochial discharge. It nearly always makes 
its appearance in the aveola tissues, the absorbents The 
skin is the secondary seat, and we have erysipelas red- 
ness, with red streaks, and tenderness in the course of the 
lymphatics. 

We have, also, rigors, pain, perspiration becomes offen- 
sive, and suppuration, sometimes running into gangrene, 
delirium, yellow tinge of the skin, shortness of breath, 
stupor, and final exhaustion. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of this disease, we would 
apply a ligature, both above and below the wound. Use 
suction, with pump, cupping glass, or anything that will 
answer. 

Give, internally, an emetic of lobelia and sanguinaria — 
say half teaspoonful of the tincture of each. After that has 
had full effect, follow with quinine and brandy, or brandy 
and iron. Internally, we would give ten grains of sulphite 
of soda, every four hours, and apply a strong solution to 
the wound, and up the affected limb, or part. The author 
was not long since poisoned in this way, and relieved him- 
self, in a few hours, with the sulphite of soda and carbolic 
acid, locally. 

CEPHALHEMATOMA. 

This is a bloody tumor, the result of pressure, appearing 
immediately after birth. It is always found between the 
bones of the skull and pericranium. 

We have met with them from the size of an egg to that 
of an orange. It is usually formed on one or both sides 
of the head, and consists of a soft, circumscribed swelling, 
fluctuating on pressure. 

Treatment. — In most cases, we need not interfere, 
as nature is equal to the emergency of correcting this 



76 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

trouble, and the tumor disappears by absorption. It may 
be aided and hastened by the following : 

R. Muriate of ammonia. 1 oz. 

Bromide of ammonia J oz. 

Water i pt. 

Dissolve, and keep a piece of lint, saturated with this, 
constantly applied. 

CEREBRITIS. 

This is a deep-seated pain in the head, aggravated by 
light, heat, or motion. 

We have indescribable oppression, nausea, vomiting, 
arrest of all the secretions, the skin is dry and harsh, the 
sense of feeling is impaired, the intellect is confused, con- 
vulsions and continued paroxysms, terminating in paraly- 
sis and coma. The character of the symptoms are, in a 
measure, controlled by the part of the brain affected. We 
have here the usual results, or termination, of inflamma- 
tion, as effusion of serum, which gives rise to all the 
symptoms of compression, abscess, etc. In our day, 
among scientists, no class of disease attracts more attention 
than those of the nervous system. 

Brain diseases, especially, have become so thoroughly 
understood of late, that we can obtain a diagnosis with cer- 
tainty, locating inflammation in particular spots or parts. 
The distinction is not of much importance in treatment. 

SIMPLE MENINGITIS. 

Inflammation of the arachnoid and pia mater sometimes 
arises spontaneously, sometimes produced by falls, blows, 
and as a result of inflammation of the nose, ears, and 
sometimes from exposure to the heat of the noonday sun, 
especially in summer. It is often due to poisoning of 
syphilis, rheumatism, and we meet with it from deposits of 
tubercles. 

Symptoms — Are intense pain in the head, fever, irrita- 
bility, alternate flushing and palor, rapid pulse, muscular 
twitching, prostration, coma. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 77 

When the membrane over the convexity of the brain is 
the seat of the inflammation, we have it make its appear- 
ance with rigors, or convulsions, with acute pain in the 
head, pain increased by heat or light, also by jars or 
sounds. 

Early in the disease, we find all the secretions decreased 
or entirely arrested, indicated by a hot, dry skin, scanty 
urine, bowels constipated, pulse grows hard, corded and 
rapid. We have an alternation of palor and flushes, suf- 
fused eyes, wild expression, staring, vacant look ; violent, 
noisy delirium sets in early, extreme restlessness, twitch- 
ing and contracting of the muscles, vomiting. In three 
to five days the fever diminishes, pulse falls, tongue as- 
sumes a brownish coat, dry and cracked, movements di- 
minished — delirium gives way to stupor. 

In three or four days more, we have extreme prostra- 
tion, and if a fatal termination, djath soon comes to the 
patient's relief. If recovery takes place at all, it is ex- 
tremely slow, but gradual ; no hectic fever or diarrhoea. 

When the inflammation is confined to the meninges, or 
base, the diagnosis is plain. We have fever, intense pain 
in the head and temples, vomiting, constipation, wry neck, 
quick pulse, clenching of teeth, and drawing backward of 
the head, loss of appetite, intolerance of light, a desire for 
quiet. Following this, we have a vacant intellect, 
settled despondency, pain in head becomes more intense, 
coma and death result. 

Inflammation of the dura mater, we may say, is invaria- 
bly the result of mechanical violence. Inflammatory affec- 
tions of the ear and nose, often neglected and regarded as 
trifling, frequently terminate fatally, by the inflammation 
extending to the dura mater. Many cases of inflammation 
of the brain can be detected by chemical examination of 
the urine ; but to do this, requires instruments not pos- 
sessed by the common reader. 

Treatment. — In treating inflammation of the brain, we 



78 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

must give the most powerful arterial sedatives. Among 
these, I have found nothing better than — 

R. Tinct. gelseminum J oz. 

Tinct. aconite fol J oz. 

Dose, fifteen drops every four hours, until the pulse is 
reduced to sixty-five or seventy. Give an active cathartic. 
The following is splendid : 

R. Podophyllin ..2 gr. 

Leptandrin 4 gr. 

Divide into four powders. Give one every three hours, 
until it acts freely. Apply to the back of the neck oil of 
turpentine, or a poultice of strong cayenne pepper. Con- 
tinue the gelseminum and aconite, three times a day, for 
several days. Give, also, forty drops fluid extract cimici- 
fuga, in one-fourth wine-glass of water, every six hours. 
CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE. 

Cerebral hemorrhage is indicated by paralysis on one 
side of the body, and especially on the side opposite that 
on which the effusion has taken place. The sense and 
intellect may not be affected ; the patient may fall soon, 
but this is from the paralysis, and not from sudden loss of 
consciousness and sensibility, as in apoplexy. There may 
be sudden loss of power without loss of consciousness. If 
the bleeding continues, apoplexy may supervene, and death 
result. 

Many cases recover, under proper treatment. 

Treatment. — Free use of purgatives, cup over the nape 
of the neck freely. Use counter irritants ; rollers, spread 
with mustard, should be applied from the toes to the knees ; 
give diaphoretics and diuretics, so as to get up free action 
on skin and kidneys. As soon as the hemorrhage has 
stopped, put your patient on the compound syrup of frost- 
wort, before meals, with belladonna, after meals — say — 

R. Compound syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass f oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful, before each meal. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 79 

R. Tinct. belladonna Joz. 

Tinct. iris versicola , J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops in one-fourth wineglass of water, 
after meals. 

CHAPPED HANDS. 

Chapped hands, abrasions of the skin, etc., caused by 
using strong, irritating washes, lotions — cold or heat, 
applied to hands while wet. This may be readily cured 
by the use of a lotion of sulphate of soda, and at night 
apply. 

R. Glycerine 1 oz. 

Aqua camphor 2 oz. 

CHOLERA INFANTUM. 

This disease is common and peculiar to infants, and 
usually prevalent in summer months, and, especially, at, or 
during, the most critical period of dentition. It is due to 
a sour and fermented condition of the contents of the 
stomach, creating a specific form of diarrhoea, nausea, 
vomiting, and arrest of the secretions of the liver ; and, as 
a result, we have an impaired condition, and impure blood. 
We often meet with tubercular formation in the mesentery 
glands, with rapid and extreme emaciation. 

Treatment. — Give neutralizing mixture or syrup rhei 
et potass., one teaspoonful every hour until relieved. Fol- 
low with — 

R. Hypophosphite soda 1 dr. 

Hypophosphite lime 2 dr. 

Hypophosphite iron J dr. 

Hypophosphite potass J dr. 

Simple syrup J pt. 

Dose, one* teaspoonful three times a day — shake well. 
Use daily baths of salt water (tepid). Give animal diet, 
meat juice, or beef tea, etc. 

CHOLERA. 
Asiatic or epidemic cholera originates in a peculiar spe- 



80 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

cific poisoning. This poison may be conveyed to a great 
distance by the wind, and be absorbed in the form of parti- 
cles or atoms, which, when inhaled or taken up by the 
absorbents, are capable of producing specific effects. This 
is one of the most terrible epidemics visited upon the 
human race of this day, in the civilized world, and the 
very fact of its fatality adds to its effects upon many per 
sons. 

The poison seems to operate upon the nervous system, 
brain and spinal cord. This is proved by the prostration, 
coldness, and livid appearance of the surface ; also we 
have vomiting, purging, and suppression of urine, cramps 
of the abdominal muscles, cold extremities, and cramping 
in the limbs, sometimes preceded by diarrhoea, but more 
frequently comes on without premonition. 

The diagnostic marks are well defined, copious secre- 
tions, and accumulations in the stomach and bowels of a 
serous fluid, albuminous in its character, free from acid 
or alkalies, and having more the appearance of rice water 
than anything else. This fluid is discharged from the 
mouth and bowels without effort. 

We have from the beginning an arrest of all the natural 
secretions and excreta, as tears, bile, saliva, fceces, urine, 
perspiration, etc. The skin becomes cold and void of elas- 
ticity, appears wrinkled, and assumes a leaden color, mu- 
cous membrane presents similar appearance, tongue and 
breath ccld (70° Fahr.). The. muscles are in a state of 
tonic or constant spasm — especially is this true of the 
lower extremities. 

The specific poison is a minute particle generated from 
animal matter, during some peculiar condition of the at- 
mosphere, and operates upon constitutions impaired by 
some depressing influence ; hence, those who become de- 
spondent at its approach, fall its first victims. 

The symptoms of the disease, though it runs its course 
in a short time, presents three stages ; 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 81 

First — Countenance pale, irritability, languor, sleepiness, 
confusion of head, stomach deranged, nausea, vomiting, 
diarrhceal discharge. 

These are symptoms or evidence that nature is endeav- 
oring to throw off some morbid poison from the blood, 
and, if aided at this stage, we should never have the — 

Second — In which we have an aggravation of all in the 
first, constant diarrhoea, discharge light colored, assumes a 
serous, or white, flakey, and rice water appearance ; the 
pupil is contracted, and we have cramps, spasms, cold 
body, intermittent pulse. 

This stage lasts from two to forty- eight hours. Then 
we have the — 

Third — Attended by suppression of urine, prostration, 
collapse, and death. 

The general symptoms of these three stages, in detail, 
may be summed up as copious vomiting, excessive and 
increasing diarrhoea — without pain — a watery discharge, 
with particles resembling small flakes of skin, or a rice 
water discharge. We shall find, upon analysis, large pro- 
portions of albumen and the component parts of the blood, 
iron, chloride of soda, important elements, which are be- 
ing drained out of the system. Cramp becomes more 
frequent and severe, drawing the muscles into cord-like 
masses. Pulse soft and quick, 110 to 120. The skin ine- 
lastic, cold, dry, smooth, leaden-colored ; temperature, 
65° to 70° — skin assumes almost a bluish aspect. The 
expression of the features is ghastly, eye-balls sunken, 
cold, clammy sweats, eyes glassy and vacant, tongue cold, 
also the breath ; mucus membrane of the mouth assumes 
a cold, bluish appearance. 

Distress in the stomach, unquenchable thirst, burning at 
the upper part of the abdomen, urine suppressed, as, also, 
all other secretions; spasms attack the heart, its vessels, 
and ramifications ; also, the respiratory, and whole circula- 
ting system. 



82 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The nervous system becomes easily excited, and we have 
husky voice, whispering, and shrinking of the whole body, 
pinched features, contracted pupils. These symptoms 
continuing, the breathing becomes less frequent; the rough, 
hoarse, husky voice, becomes spasmodic, jerking out each 
word ; the pulse becomes thread-like and intermitting ; 
circulation arrested, and lungs become paralyzed. Should 
the patient survive forty-eight hours, and show signs of 
improvement, he may recover rapidly — this we will feel 
assured of if the pulse rise ; the stools assume a more 
healthy form, and respiration and circulation grow better. 

Improvement may be only transient, and we have con- 
tinued suppression of urine, contraction of pupil, and 
death is preceded by intense spasmodic contraction, vom- 
iting, shortness of breath, coma. In more favorable cases, 
we have a sort of fever, follows gradually, subsiding in a 
few days, or the fever may assume a more severe type, 
giving rise to a low, collapsed condition of the patient, a 
contracted pupil, a thread-like pulse, and suppression of 
secretions, and finally ending in death. 

The symptoms and pathology of this disease prove conclu- 
sively, that the poison operates directly upon the spinal cord. 
This is fully demonstrated in the dissecting room ; for, in 
every case, the spinal cord will be found highly inflamed 
and congested, or entirely surrounded and compressed 
with pus. 

Treatment. — During the prevalence of cholera in Phil- 
adelphia, some years ago, the superiority of the American 
Practice over that of the old school, was fully demonstra- 
ted ; in fact, there is not an instance on record where such 
success attended the treatment of cholera as did our school 
then. When this epidemic prevails, a high standard of 
health should be maintained, individually and collectively. 
All green fruits, and vegetables, hard, or indigestible arti- 
cles of diet, should be scrupulously avoided. No unclean- 
liness of premises, and the most rigid bathing and washing 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 83 

of the person ; no intemperance, or fatigue, or over-exer- 
tion ; no breathing of vitiated air ; pure water ; the most 
nutritious and wholesome diet. Upon the slightest ap- 
pearance of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, give the neu- 
tralizing mixture, one tablespoonful with two grains of 
leptandrin, and ten drops of fluid extract of xanthoxylin, 
every half hour until relieved. Should the slightest indis- 
position exist, give the neutralizing mixture, with the lep- 
tandrin. Perfect rest, in a recumbent position, is advisable. 
Apply capsicum and vinegar to the abdomen, proportioned 
as follows : 

R. Powder cayenne pepper 1 oz. 

Table salt 2 oz. 

Vinegar 1 pt. 

Give, as a drink, the infusion of bark of white mulberry, 
or slippery elm, and bayberry, thus : 

R. Bayberry (bark ol root) 2 oz. 

Slippery elm J oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Dose. — One wineglassful every two hours. 
Plain, nutritious diet is of the greatest importance, as, 
also, perfect rest, in a recumbent position. If we have 
the disease fairly set in, we should place the patient in the 
most comfortable part of the building ; have an equable 
temperature, say 80° Fahr. The diarrhoea and vomiting 
being but natural efforts to rid the system of the poison. 
A good plan will be to give a stimulating emetic : 

R. Pul. green lobelia...., 2 oz. 

Pul. bayberry 2 oz. 

Pul. capsicum J oz. 

Mix, and steep in a pint of boiling water ; give a wine- 
glassful every five minutes, until the patient vomits freely. 
Then follow with the neutralizing mixture, leptandrin and 
bayberry, as directed before. Get up a healthy secretion 
of the liver ; perfect rest. Apply the pepper-sauce to 
stomach and abdomen, and apply oil of turpentine on each 
6 



84 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

side of spine, or backbone, or use the scarificator, on 
each side over the spine. 

Opium, in any form, is to be strictly prohibited, as it 
tends to increase the congestion of the spinal cord. The 
following is of great value in the early stage : 

R. Bromide of potass 40 grs. 

Water 4 oz. 

Dissolve, and give a tablespoonful, with sugar and water, 
twice a day. 

Should the pupil continue contracted, and cramp, or 
spasm be threatening, give the following : 

R. Tincture lobelia 2 oz. 

" capsicum 2 oz. 

" cyprepedium 2 oz. 

" belladonna. J oz. 

Dose. — One teaspoonful, in wineglass of water, every 
half hour. 

Should there be evidence of sinking, give one drop of 
oil of capsicum, in sweetened water. Keep the counter- 
• irritants applied to the spine. Give well-salted meat juice ; 
relieve the thirst with iced-champagne. 

When vomiting is incessant, both medicine and drink 
may be given, every few minutes. If there is much heat, 
or burning, we might give the sulphite of soda, with good 
effect. Maintain the recumbent position. 

Keep down the spasm with the remedies indicated ; 
keep up a normal heat with hot sand-bags, hot bricks, etc. 
Keep the bed away from the wall ; put pieces of glass 
under the bedstead legs, or rollers, and keep the air pure 
in the apartment, by removing all excreta as fast as possible, 
and use chloride of lime about the room as a disinfectant. 

Convalescence should be established on mineral acids, 
etc. Acid nitro-muriatic dil., twenty drops in water, three 
times a day, with compound cinchona after meals. Shower 
baths and counter-irritants to spine should be continued. 

Many of these suggestions will hold good in severe 
forms of cholera morbus, "or dysentery. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 85 

The description, etc., of that will be found under appro- 
priate head. 

Did we pay more attention to hygienic laws, we should 
have less of disease, especially of summer bowel derange- 
ments. 

CHOREA. 

Chorea, or St. Vitus dance, is easily diagnosed from 
the entire want of control of the muscular nerves over the 
muscles during the waking hours, and thus gives rise to 
irregular, involuntary motions of the voluntary motors. 

It is most common to girls of feeble constitution, or ir- 
ritable, nervous temperament, and usually appears be- 
tween the ages of six and sixteen. It is met with in boys, 
but more rarely. 

In the commencement of this disease, we have nervous 
depression and irritability — the involuntary motion begins 
by twitching of the muscles of the face ; the other mus- 
cles follow, until we sometimes have the whole muscular 
system involved. The face sometimes becomes contorted, 
the articulation becomes indistinct, and the temper irritable 
in the extreme ; appetite is very irregular, bowels consti- 
pated. 

In some cases only one side is affected ; in others the 
whole system is affected. Irregular action ceases during 
sleep, as a rule, though I have had one or two cases that, 
even during sleep, were moving and trembling. 

The disease may last for months and years, if not prop- 
erly treated ; and the longer it runs, the harder it is to 
control. 

Very rarely the respiration is affected, and, occasionally, 
even the heart is involved. 

Cause. — It is due to want of harmony between the white 
and grey matter of the nerve centre, or spinal cord. Among 
the exciting causes we have anaemia or impoverished con- 
dition of the blood, worms, teething, indigestion, or disor. 
ders of the stomach. 



86 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Eruptions of the skin, disease of the kidneys and blad- 
der, retarded or interrupted menstruation, sudden change 
of temperature, secret habits, and pregnancy, want of nu- 
tritious diet, loss of blood, mental emotions of fear, joy, 
grief — and children of scrofulous diathesi are prone to 
this, among other nervous disorders. 

Treatment. — In treating chorea or St. Vitus dance, if 
we expect to succeed we must make an entire change in 
the patient. Change of air. of occupation, of diet, plenty 
of exercise in the open air. Let the diet be highly nutri- 
tious — in a word, build up your patient as rapidly as pos- 
sible. The exciting cause must be removed at once, if 
we cannot determine upon what that depends, we must 
watch our patient closely. 

The whole nervous system being in a highly excitable 
condition, and the least over-excitement will often develop 
this diseased action. In treating this disease, I have found 
the following indicated, in most cases : 

R. Bromide potass 2 oz. 

Bromide ammon 1 oz. 

Aqua pura, 2 pts. 

Dose, one teaspoonful in a wine-glass of sweetened 
water, before each meal. We would regulate the various 
secretions by appropriate remedies: 

R. Podophyllin 2 grs. 

Leptandrin 4 grs. 

Mix with sugar of milk, and divide into four powders. 
Two every second night. 

If we suspect worms, give — 

Santonine 2 grs. 

at night, and follow with the purgative powders, a- above. 
If we cannot find santonine, give a t'^w drops of turpentine, 
and follow with tonics — say forty drops tincture cinchona, 
before each meal. Where we have debility or impover- 
ished blood, give the syrup hypophosphites. as prepared 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 87 

at the Eclectic Dispensary. Directions for same are given 
in the latter part of this work. 

Electricity, properly applied, is good in most cases, but 
I would not advise it unless applied by a practical operator. 
Frequent baths of salt water, warm or cold, are advan- 
tageous. This treatment, if properly carried out, will 
relieve in cases of short standing, and is worth trying in 
any case. 

COCCYODYNIA. 

This is a pain, soreness, or tenderness, just at the end 
of the spinal column, (cocyx) ; the result of falls or blows, 
violent exercise on horseback, and tedious labors in women, 
advanced in life. The inflammation sometimes extends to 
the muscular attachments of the cocyx, or point of the 
bone. 

Symptoms. — In this affection, the slightest movement 
which stretches the ligaments about the parts, causes severe 
pain, as sitting, rising, walking, stool, sexual functions ; 
even the menstrual flows aggravate it. It sometimes ap- 
pears as a sympathetic affection, reflected from ovaries, or 
uterus. 

Treatment. — This must be directed to the removal of 
the cause. Should it be due to rheumatism, the treatment 
directed under that head ; if due to nervous irritation, we 
shall find the comp. tincture cinchona and phosphoric acid 
advisable, with ten drops tincture nux vomica, half hour 
after meals ; when it proceeds from uterine irritation, give 
bromide potassa., as follows : 

R. Bromide potassa 2 oz. 

Iodide potass J oz. 

Comp. syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. Use a lotion 
of the following, over the affected part, twice a day ; 

R. Tincture belladonna ...2 oz. 

Tincture iodine 1 oz. 

Aconite fol 1 oz. 

Stramonii J oz. 



88 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Shake well, and apply with a flannel cloth, using con- 
siderable friction. The patient should keep quiet, in bed, 
for a few days, regulating the bowels with the eclectic 

pill. 

COLD. 

When long applied to one part of the body, so as to 
diminish its temperature below a healthy standard, first acts 
as a depressant or sedative, and finally produces numbness, 
or insensibility. Extreme cold first causes redness, the re- 
sult of relaxation of the blood vessels. This redness is fol- 
lowed by biting and stinging pain. This is caused by 
pressure of the distended vessels upon the nerves, and is 
also due, in part, to the action of cold on the nerves. 
Long-continued exposure, the pain subsides, the skin grows 
pale, vital action ceases, and the patient is stiff frozen. 

Now, in the process, the freezing commences on the sur- 
face, and tends inwards. The liquids, and, partly, solids, 
crystalize, or turn to ice. 

Treatment. — The principle to keep in view, in treating 
a case of freezing, is that, as the freezing commences, 
outward, and tends to the heart, driving the blood before 
it, so we must commence the thawing process from within, 
and drive it to the surface ; consequently, the application 
of heat to the surface will make a bad matter worse. 
Rubbing the frozen part with snow, in an apartment where 
the temperature is a little above the freezing point, is a good 
plan, or even in a cold room, is better. Cold, thus applied, 
acts upon the principle of reflex action, stimulating the 
nerves, and arousing the circulation. Violent gangrene is 
often the result of heat injudiciously applied to the frozen 
part. Damp, or moisture, is a frequent cause of frost-bite. 
We must regulate the general treatment entirely by the 
state of the patient. Mild, nourishing diet ; avoid over- 
stimulating, and anything to excite feverishness. 

CHILBLAINS. 

These are sub-acute, inflammatory swellings, due to cold, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 89 

and application of heat. In the early stages, we have 
swelling, slight pain, and redness, and itching ; in the 
second stage, we have blisters, or abrasions of the skin, 
and, in this stage, if not arrested, we have ulceration and 
sloughing. Parts, whose circulation is feeble and most 
exposed, are liable to suffer, and patients of feeble vitality 
always suffer, most from cold. 

In treating chilblains before the skin is broken, there is 
nothing equal to tincture of capsicum (cayenne pepper), 
applied over the affected part during the day. Tannin, or 
galls, applied at night, is very good. 

If we have ulceration, the treatment directed under that 
head. The best constitutional treatment is good food, 
wine of cinchona, glycerine, phosphoric acid, etc. — say 
one tablespoonful of the following, before each meal : 

R. Fluid extract cinchona 2 oz. 

Port wine 2 pt. 

Give, half an hour after each meal — 

R. Glycerine, pure 14 oz. 

Acid phosphr. dil 2 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful. Keep the affected part pro- 
tected from extreme heat or cold. 

COLIC. 

A severe griping pain in the abdomen about the region 
of the naval, coming in paroxysms. We have numerous 
varieties of colic, much of which is due to improper food, 
or something that is indigestible. We have flatulent colic, 
nervous colic, bilious colic, lead colic, etc., etc. 

Symptoms. — In every form of colic we find the pain re- 
lieved by pressure — never aggravated by it. We seldom 
have fever or inflammatory symptoms, but. instead, a 
coldness of the extremities, in fact, obstruction of the 
temperature of the whole body ; vomiting, constipation, 
anxious countenance. 

These symptoms are so well defined that we can never 
confound it with peritonitis or gastralgia. 



90 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Causes. — Excess bilious accumulation, indigestion, un- 
wholesome diet, acids and agents that undergo fermenta- 
tion in the stomach-; dyspepsia, absorption of metallic 
poisons, sometimes fright, hysteria, great cold, or rheuma- 
tism bring about colic. 

The severity of each case will depend upon the cause. 
The indications of cure are to relax spasms, and restore 
the peristalic motion. 

Warm water is a valuable remedy. Warm salt water 
fomentation to the abdomen, enemas of warm water. If 
possible, put your patient in a warm bath at once. Warm 
water has a soothing effect upon the nervous system, and, 
at the same time relaxes the abdominal spasm. 

The bowels should be acted on as soon as practicable, 
and this is best accomplished by proper injection, say, 
sweet oil in castile soap and water. To relax the spasm, 
give gelseminum one-half grain in water, and repeat in 
half an hour if not relieved ; or, in place of that, give : 

R. Tinct. lobelia 2 oz. 

Fluid extract diascorea 2 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful every five minutes, until the re- 
laxation is perfect ; follow with a dose of the eclectic 
pills mentioned under that head. 

A distinguishing mark, when it proceeds from lead poi- 
soning, is the bluish mark around the gums, just where they 
meet the teeth. 

We shall find, in treating lead colic, five grains of iodide 
of potass, every three hours, will meet the indications of 
the case better than anything else. 

An antidote, so-called, is alum, and is worth a trial in 
lead poisoning. The same general course of treatment 
should be observed. 

COLLAPSE. 

This is that state or condition consequent upon exhaus- 
tion, that follows the loss of blood from wounds, or other 
causes. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 91 

The most prominent symptoms are cold, shivering, un- 
consciousness, feeble pulse, sighing, respiration impeded, 
and, generally, the patient appears bewildered, moans and 
mutters incoherently; nausea, vomiting, hiccough, sup 
pression of urine, and, sometimes, convulsions. 

These symptoms come from an impaired or disturbed 
condition of the spinal cord and brain. Reaction means 
recovery, as a general rule, but everything depends upon 
the nature of the reaction, and the care we take of the pa- 
tient. If the reaction is heavy, we may have fever and 
death ensue ; but, if healthy, and not too sudden or great, 
complete recovery may take place. 

Treatment. — In treating this disease, we must endeavor 
to get up a healthy reaction ; for instance, if we have 
cold skin, almost imperceptible pulse, we would give diffu- 
sive stimulants, such as brandy, tr. capsicum and tr. xan- 
thoxylin and ammonia ; warm bricks to the feet ; rest in 
the recumbent position ; gentle stimulants, so as to get up 
a steady reaction. We would advise warm water — or, 
rather, bottles of hot water — to the feet and under the 
arms ; gentle friction over the spine, or brush over with 
oil of capsicum. Give enemas (or injections) of turpen- 
tine, ten drops to a half-pint of water. , 

If there is vomiting, give a teaspoonful of tincture lo- 
belia, and follow with neutralizing mixture. If convul- 
sions, give ten drops of belladonna every two hours. 

Convalescence should be carefully watched, and every 
symptom met as it arises. 

CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 

Usually caused by falls or blows — some mechanical in- 
jury. This condition is more common than is generally 
supposed. 

The shocks and jarring of cars and vehicles, and many 
other things, cause disturbance, and a sort of concussion of 
the muscular structure of the brain. 

Treatment. — Rest. Rest, mentally and physically, and, 



92 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

if medicine is needed, we would give ten drops tincture of 
belladonna three or four times a day ; or, in its place, give 
tincture cannabis indica. These aid the brain to rest, and 
that is just what we need. 

CONCUSSION OF THE SPINAL COED. 

The spinal cord is liable to concussion, and, from its con- 
nection and intimate relation with all the other nerves of 
the body, we are liable to have a long train of evils follow. 
We may have it latent in the system for years before its 
symptoms are developed. I once had a case of paralysis, 
result of a fall three years previous. Slight concussion 
may be demonstrated by pricking sensation, as of pins and 
needles, in the hands, feet, and limbs ; stiffness, want of 
elasticity of step, extreme sensitiveness, etc. 

Treatment. — Perfect rest, in the recumbent position, 
This, with small dose of bromide of potassia. say three 
grains, in sweetened water, before each meal, and ten drops 
fluid extract ergot after meals. This, with rest and a nu- 
tritious, unstimulating diet, will set all right. 

CONJUNCTIVITIS. 

This is an inflammation of the conjunctivia of the eye. or, 
in other words, the mucous membrane of the eye. Very 
common in a mild form, and is, really, the most common 
form of sore eyes — symptomatic, simple, eruptiev, ca- 
tarrhal, purulent, gonorrheal, and that peculiar to new- 
born infants. 

It may become chronic from neglect of even mild cases. 

Symptoms. — These are well marked in all forms of the 
disease. The conjunctivia is injected with red blood, and 
there is effusion of serum into the aveola between the con- 
junctivia and schlerotica called chemasis. There is extreme 
sensitiveness to light, a feeling as of sand, or dust, in the 
eye, heat and swelling, stiffness of the lids, pain in the 
globe, and edge of the lids ; the functions of the eye more 
or less perverted, intolerance of light becomes extreme ; 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 93 

profuse, scalding tears, disordered vision, profuse secre- 
tions of the gland, severe pain on moving the lids, sense of 
distension and weight, rigidity of the organs, pain in the 
eye, temple and forehead. In cases long continued, the 
lids become thick, swollen, and turned outward, attended 
with entire loss of vision. We have various forms of this 
disease, as before remarked, but, in treatment, they may all 
be classed the same, varying your remedies to suit the 
severity of the symptoms. 

Granular conjunctivitis is similar to the above, and is 
caused by little granules, or bumps, forming on the inside 
of the eyelid. 

Treatment. — In simple acute conjunctivitis, all that is 
required is to apply my eye-lotion — two to five times a 
day — and for all inflammations of the eye, it is the best 
remedy known to medical science. Being my own private 
property, I do not give it here, but it can always be ob- 
tained from the Eclectic Dispensary. Next to this, two 
grains of sulphate of zinc, dissolved in one ounce of cam- 
phor water, is best. Where the disease has become chronic, 
we must resort to regular constitutional treatment. If the 
inflammation seems high, and the patient is of full habit, 
give the bromide of potassia as directed — say two ounces 
to a pint of water — teaspoonful before each meal. After 
meals, twenty drops comp. tinct. serpentaria, applying the 
lotion of zinc and camphor. If the pain is severe, add two 
grains of sulphate of morphia to the solution ; or, to make 
it more plain, observe the following formula : 

R. Zinc sul 2 grs. 

Morphia sul 2 grs. 

Aqua camphor 1 oz. 

Mix, and apply in the eye five times a day. This is 
equal to, and less painful, than Thompson's eye -water, 
which has obtained almost a world-wide reputation. For 
granulated lids, nothing but a regular constitutional course 
will suffice. 



94 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

R. Compound syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass f oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal ; at the same time 
give— 

R. Fluid ext. corydalis } oz. 

Fluid ext. alnus rub J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops in water after each meal. 

If you cannot readily obtain the above, prepare the al- 
terative syrup as directed under that head, and for the 
ccrydalis a tea of white ash bark of root This will suf- 
fice for all ordinary cases of sore eyes, and all that are ad 
missible to treat in domestic practice. 

We have many diseased forms and varieties of the eye, 
but their description does not belong to a work of this kind. 
I do not think it prudent to tamper with so delicate an 
organ, and one upon the possession of which so much de- 
pends. 

CONSTIPATION. 

In ordinary good health, the intestinal apparatus com- 
pletes its revolution once in twenty -four hours. In other 
words, once in twenty-four hours the process of mastica- 
tion, digestion, nutrition, absorption, and the carrying lor- 
ward for an expulsion of the fcecus, should be accomplished. 
Any deviation from this, is a deviation from a natural or 
healthy standard, and will eventually result in a constitu- 
tional derangement or diseased condition. Constipation 
is a morbid condition or derangement affecting a part or 
the whole apparatus. Although it may not appear to 
give any inconvenience at the time, it will eventually cause 
trouble. 

There is a condition of gastro-intestinal torpor, but no 
structural disease. The natural peristatic action of the 
bowels is deranged either from a deficiency of bile, or 
healthy secretions from the liver or torpidity of that organ. 
A deficiency of bile, constitutes a prominent difficulty in 
constipation. We have deficiency of vitality of the ner- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 95 

vous system, and hence we often find it an attendant upon 
scrofula, anaemia, chlorosis, general nervous debility, etc. 

Constipation, like- all other derangements of healthy 
functions, if not relieved, progresses from bad to 
worse. The retention of effete matter in the bowels is a 
source of discomfort, to say the least. It impedes the 
progress of assimilation, the food does not perform its 
proper functions, so we have growth and nutrition arrested, 
and consequent lack of nervous energy and muscular 
power. 

Treatment. — The treatment of constipation by purga- 
tives, is irrational and unscientific, and the victims of 
habitual constipation have come to feel there is no cure for 
them ; only temporary relief. Apropos to this subject, I 
once heard a good joke on an old school doctor. A stu- 
dent of his had noticed the periodical visits of a victim of 
this trouble, and had watched the old doctor prescribe pur- 
gatives time and again until. One day, after the patient had 
left, he ventured to ask his preceptor why he gave his 
patient mere purgatives, giving, as his opinion, it would 
not cure. ' ' Certainly not, " says old pill-bags, ' ' we never 
expect to cure his sort, but they add a handsome revenue 
to office practice, and we just keep them along." Now, 
unfortunately for these patients, this is of common occur 
rence. To make a success in our treatment, we must 
know the cause upon which it depends, and set about 
removing that. If I want to cure constipation, I care little 
about purgatives ; in tact, don't want them. We must give 
tone and strength to the nerves anci biliary functions, and 
improve the secreting powers of the intestines. Habit has a 
wonderful effect on constipation. The habit of relieving the 
bowels at a particular time every day — say after the morning 
meal. In many cases, scrupulous attention to this will soon 
overcome the constipation. The act of eating gives an im- 
pulse to the peristalic action, and consequently an action is 
much easier obtained at this time. 



96 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Moderation in everything, daily bathing, exercise, fric- 
tion to the whole body, especially the spine. Water, in- 
ternally, is a valuable agent, drinking water freely, espe- 
cially just before retiring at night, and first thing of a 
morning, has a beneficial effect, not only in this, but in 
other diseases of arrested nutrition, etc. Habitual consti- 
pation and want of secretion may be promptly relieved by 
the following : 

R. Leptandrin 3 grs. 

Nux vomica , J gr. 

Mix, and give at bedtime, with water. Give six drops 
nitro-muriatic acid in a wine-glass of water before each 
meal. If this fails, give — 

R. Extract ox galls 10 grs. 

Nux vomica j£ gr. 

Mix, and give night and morning. 

I have found, in some cases, electricity act well. Apply 
the positive pole to the spine, and bathe the bowels with 
the negative ; or apply the positive to the tongue, and the 
negative to the rectum. Wholesome and digestible food, 
ripe fruit, light bread, daily exercise, avoid too much sleep. 
I have found a tonic bitters composed of the following 
acts well : 

R. Hydrastis can., golden seal 1 oz. 

Helonias dioica, unicorn root 1 oz. 

Sanguinaria, blood root J oz. 

Steep in a quart of good spirits, and take a tablespoonful 
before each meal. 

As we are creatures of habit, many of the ills and short- 
comings of life may be traced to that, and we have really 
very few cases of habitual constipation that cannot be 
traced to something of this kind ; and, as habit produces 
the derangement, so will habit, with a little assistance to 
nature, correct it. 

CONVULSIONS. 
This is a derangement of the nervous system. In some 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 97 

cases we can trace them to some cerebral disorder, and in 
others we have them developed without any apparent con- 
nection with any disease. 

We may divide convulsions into two classes : 

1. Convulsions depending upon some lesion of the 
brain, or its appendages. 

2. Convulsions without primary lesion, or change of 
structure, originating in sympathetic or reflex irritation. 
The sudden, spasmodic, involuntary action of the muscles 
in this condition depends upon some derangement or dis- 
ease. In the epileptic form of convulsions we have reflex 
irritation, or some defect, it may be, at a remote part of 
the brain. 

Convulsion affects the whole muscular system, appears 
in paroxysms, and attended with unconsciousness. In 
some cases the contractions are partial, of long duration, 
and the muscles assume a hard, compact feel. This is 
termed tonic spasm. In other cases we have alternations 
of relaxation and contraction. These are termed atonic 
spasms. 

Causes. — There may be organic disease of the nervous 
system ; may have its origin in gout, rheumatism, syphilis, 
vaccination, a want of circulation of blood to the nerve 
centres, as in anaemia, or scrofula ; but the greatest num- 
ber of cases are due to reflex action, from the teething or 
swollen gums of children ; derangements of the stomach 
and bowels, such as indigestion, and acidity ; intestinal 
irritation, such as worms, hard, unripe fruit, diseases of the 
kidneys, ureamea, or predominance of uric acid in the 
blood, pregnancy, liver derangements, absorption of bile ; 
morbid state of the blood, as in small-pox, scarlatina, 
measles, mental emotions, violent whooping-cough, mias- 
matic poisoning of the system. 

Symptoms. — We shall, doubtless, be able to detect a long 
list of premonitory symptoms. Chief among these, are 
ill-temper, sudden starting in sleep, restlessness, sudden 



98 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

screaming during sleep, rapid change of complexion. 

During dentition, we will have heat and redness of the 
gums, fever, vomiting, morbid appearance of the stool, 
acidity of the stomach, eyes roll upwards, twitching of 
muscles of the face, breathing hard and laborious, twitch- 
ing of different parts of the body, clinching of the fingers, 
and contraction of the feet, livid appearance around the 
mouth, dark ring around the eyes. All these symptoms, 
however, may be absent, and the convulsions come on of 
a sudden, or with just a twitching of one limb. 

During the attack, there is a distortion of the features, 
palor, or lividity, of the face, starting, or protuberance, of 
the eye balls, insensibility of the pupils to light, grinding 
and gnashing of the teeth, protrusion of the tongue, invol- 
untary evacuation, labored breathing. 

The attack is usually followed by a tendency to sleep. 

Not fatal, unless connected with some severe, or organic, 
disease of the brain, heart, etc. 

Persons subject to convulsions should be carefully 
watched, and every means adopted to prevent a return of 
the attacks. 

Treatment. — Our treatment, during the paroxysm, 
should be prompt and decisive, loose the dress, especially 
should everything be loosened around the neck and chest, 
Place the patient on the back with head well elevated, 
give plenty of fresh air. If you can get the patient to 
swallow, give one teaspoonful of tinct. lobelia with ten 
drops fluid extract gelsemium. Repeat the lobelia alone 
every five minutes, until the muscular system is completely 
relaxed. If he cannot swallow, give the lobelia as an in- 
jection — enough to produce relaxation — and we may safely 
keep the patient under its influence for several hours. 
Cold to the head when the face is livid, and the head hot. 
Mustard water to the feet, or the following will be found 
excellent : 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 99 

R. Aqua pura. l^pt. 

Muriate of ammonia 2 oz. 

Nitrate potassia J oz. 

Aqua camphor..... 10 oz. 

Chloride soda J oz. 

Saturate a cloth and keep the back part of the neck or 
head constantly wet with the same. Lobelia, cold, or ice 
to the spine, dry cupping, friction to the extremities, or 
the cautious administration of chloroform if all other means 
fail to relax. 

If for teething, and the gums are swollen and irritated, 
scarify the gums and regulate bowels, skin, etc. Give 
the syrup phosphate soda, lime and iron. Should we sus- 
pect worms, give spirits of turpentine or pills of santonine. 
If due to striking in of measles, scarlet fever, etc. we must 
give comp. tinct. serpentaria to get up an action on the 
skin. Warmth, alkaline baths, are advisable. In a word, 
the general treatment in the interval should be tonic altera- 
tives, or just such as the condition of the patient seems to 
demand. In every case, our efforts must be directed to 
the removal of the cause upon which, or from which, the 
convulsions arise. All remedies that diminish the irrita- 
tion, and thereby remove the cause of reflex action and ir- 
ritation, will do good. Bromide of potass, or ammonia will 
act well in full habits, but are rather debilitating where 
there is a pale, unhealthy appearance of the skin, In these 
cases the hypophosphites are excellent. See formula. 

COUP DE SOLEIL. 

This condition is attributable to two causes. 

1. To a direct want of serum in the blood, the watery 
constituent being drained off by a high degree of dry heat. 

The second cause we attribute to the direct depression 

of the nervous system, interrupting the functions of the 

eliminating organs, the lungs, liver, kidneys and skin. 

The blood is imperfectly oxydized, and being drained of 

7 



100 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

its serum, it has a tendency to coagulate in the coats of 
the vessels, and even in the brain and heart. The bowels 
are generally constipated, the liver torpid, and the secretion 
of the urine is diminished. 

This clotty condition of the blood, or the depression on 
the nervous system, gives rise to faintness, a craving for 
water, heat, and dryness of the skin. We have regular 
nervous depression, vertigo, fullness in the head and chest, 
quick, irregular pulse, feeble and small. 

Symptoms. — These are variable. We sometimes have a 
sudden seizure, paralysis, shortness of breath, preceded by 
languor, lassitude, etc. Paralysis and insanity is often a 
sequel of this clotty, or coagulated condition of the blood. 
Treatment. — In treating this derangement, my remedy 
is water — water locally, water internally. Keep blankets 
saturated in tepid water, applied to the whole body. Give 
water to drink, and water as an injection. The blood is 
deficient in the watery principle, hence we endeavor to 
supply the deficiency by the direct application of water. 
Give an emetic of lobelia, give plenty of tepid water, after 
the stomach is unloaded. We shall find the administration 
of such medicines as increase the solubility of the blood, 
advisable. Give — 

R. Leptandrin 10 grs. 

Sugar milk 20 grs. 

Mix, and give the whole at night. 
Then follow with — 

R. Bromide of ammonia 2 oz. 

Aqua 1 pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal, and continue 
the application of water to the body ; cupping over the 
spine will do good. Give no alcohol. If we need a stim- 
ulant, carbonate of ammonia is best. Let the clothing be 
adapted to the temperature of the body — free and easy. 

CROUP. 

This is a very troublesome disease of children, and one 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 101 

of such a nature that every mother should know just what 
to do when her child is attacked with it. 

Causes. — Exposure to^damp ; or cold wind is a frequent 
cause of attacks of croup. After having once attacked a 
child, it is extremely liable to return, as it leaves a weak- 
ened condition of the lining membrane of the larynx and 
bronchial tubes. 

Symptoms. — Croup usually developes itself suddenly; 
the child wakes and gives utterance to a peculiar, shrill 
cough, that may be likened to the crowing of a cock. 
Sometimes there is a dry cough, and hoarseness, for a few 
days preceding the attack. There is a form of croup where 
there is a false membrane formed, causing a whispering 
and huskiness of the voice. There are generally white 
patches, or eruptions, apparently, in the throat. .When 
this is the case, we have the worst form of croup, and 
should lose no time in adopting means of relief. 

Treatment. — As soon as you find your child is attacked 
with croup, take it into a warm room, have it placed in a 
tub of warm water, say about blood heat, saturate a towel 
with cold water, to which you may add tinct. lobelia, if you 
have it, and apply to the throat, renew every few minutes. 
Give, at the same time, internally, 

R. Tinct. lobelia i oz. 

Tinct. aconite fol J oz. 

Tinct. sanguin. can J oz. 

Mix, and give ten to fifteen drops with sugar every fif- 
tenn minutes until your patient is relieved or vomits. Ap- 
ply over the chest a spice plaster, with powdered cayenne 
pepper added. 

In membranous croup apply belladona ointment over 
the throat, and give one to three drops of comp. tinct. 
iodine three times a day. 

With this treatment I have never failed to relieve a case 
of croup. Every mother should have these remedies for 
croup in the house, as so insidious is its attack, that we 



102 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

sometimes have no time to send for doctors or medicines. 
These remedies never fail, and cost but little to have them 
at hand. Most children, properly clothed and cared for, 
will not have croup at all. 

CYANOSIS. 

A condition characterized by a blue, purple or pur- 
plish spots on the cheek, in fact, it may cover the entire 
surface of the body. It arises from some deficiency 
in the structure of the heart, sometimes the septum 
does not arrive at full growth or development previous to 
birth, or from prominence of the organs allowing the blood 
to pass between the septum. 

Symptoms — Blue or purplish condition of the skin, cold- 
ness of the body, great difficulty of breathing, syncope, 
violent palpitation, tips of fingers and toes appear like a 
bulb, nails curved, imperfect development, dropsical effu- 
sion. 

Treatment. — This is mostly palliative. Good, plain 
food, mild tonics, warm clothing, perfect rest ; avoid fa- 
tigue, or mental excitement of any kind. 

DEAFNESS. 

May result from various causes — inflammatory action is 
among the most frequent causes, ortorrhea diseases of the 
nerve. 

Nearly all diseases of the ear may be traced to inflam- 
mation, and its results. I would earnestly impress upon 
my readers the necessity of controlling all inflammatory 
conditions of the ear at once, not allowing them to pass 
into any of the terminations or forms of disease of the 
structure of the ear. From the great delicacy of the 
membrane of the ear, there is a great proneness to con- 
gestion, vascularity, and this is liable to occur from cold, 
rheumatism, retrocession, or going in of some eruption ; 
sudden exposure to a cold temperature, diving into cold 
water, irritating substances in the ear. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 103 

Treatment. — The ear, like the eye, is an organ that 
should not be tampered with. 

In all ordinary cases of inflammation we should give 
diaphoretic and diffusive stimulants internally, as : 

R. Comp. tinct. serpentaria 2 oz. 

Fluid extract asclepias J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops every two hours. Locally, warm 
applications, the hot atomized spray from the atomizer ap- 
plied directly in the ear. 

The sap or water out of white oak balls, one drop in 
each ear, will often remove deafness of long standing ; 
but, for inflammation of the ear of a chronic nature, ac- 
companied with a discharge, we would advise the comp. 
syrup of frostwort, with iodide of potass. , internally, and 
locally, syringe the ear with a solution of permanganate of 
potass., two grains to the ounce of distilled water, and 
drop in the ear one drop of glycerine. 

When due to scrofulous affections of the blood, we 
must direct our treatment to the removal of the cause, be- 
fore we need expect to effect a cure. In severe cases, it 
is always best to have the advice of some well-experienced 
physician. 

DELIRIUM TREMENS. 

As is well known, this is caused from the poisonous effects 
of alcoholic liquors, acting directly on the brain. Just how it 
acts in this way, we can only infer from the appearance of 
the brains of persons dissected, who have died from this 
poisoning. In these, we find induration, a shrinking of 
the brain in spots, forming an impassable barrier, and cut- 
ting off nutrition and the passage of the blood through the 
brain. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms of delirium tremens are too 
well known to need a minute description here. The skin 
is usually cool and moist, pupil contracted, white of the 
eyes assumes a pale appearance, mental derangement, wild 



104 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

expression of countenance, eyes fixed intently upon some 
imaginary objects, constant dodging, and endeavors to avoid 
them ; going through all kinds of motions and contortions, 
and with a rapidity astonishing to behold. We have 
tremors, flabby, moist tongue, pulse nearly natural. The 
mind is wandering and delirious ; general appearance of 
debility, sleeplessness, delirium worse towards night, inces- 
sant talking, great prostration. All of these conditions 
depend upon want of circulation in the brain, or, rather, 
want of nutrition. 

Cause. — Excessive, and long continued, use of alcohol. 
This poison has a specific action on the brain first, pro- 
ducing slight inflammation of its substance. This, long 
continued, brings about induration and anaemia. 

Treatment. — The undue excitement of the nervous sys- 
tem is rapidly wearing out the vital powers, and would, if 
long continued, lead to final exhaustion and death ; hence, 
the indications of treatment are very plain. We must 
subdue excitement of the nervous system, which is rapidly 
consuming the patient. To this end, I would give gelse- 
minum, and I do not believe it has an equal in the materia 
medica. Give it thus : 

R. Fluid ext. gelseminum 1 dr. 

Aqua A oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful every three hours till the tremors 
stop, and the patient is calm. 

We must support the system by stimulants and good, 
nutritious diet. We must purify the system from this al 
coholic poison. 

A partial arrest of the functions of the brain is always 
attended with a corresponding arrest of all the secretions 
of the. system, as well as the excretory. The urine is 
diminished, urea, a terrible poison in itself, is thrown into 
the blood, the bile accumulates, and we have, in addition 
to alcoholic, a general poisoning of the system. 

To correct this condition, we must give a mild alkaline 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 105 

bath, warm. Place your patient in bed, give the gelsemi- 
num, and occasional doses of stimulants, say, a few drops 
of tinct. capsicum, or essence of Jamaica ginger, plenty of 
liquid, nutritious food. There can be no doubt that cap- 
sicum is the very best stimulant for deficient circulation in 
the brain, and vve often find our patient sleeps soundly after 
the first dose. It not only has a stimulating influence on 
the brain, but on the gastric nerve ; and, in fact, is a 
splendid stimulant, and this, with the gelseminum, is about 
all that is needed to treat any case of delirium. 

We should give fluid nourishment, beef tea, and keep 
the patient quiet and room dark — all sources of mental irri- 
tation to be removed, shower baths, cold effusions. 

We shall find ten drops tincture nux vomica very good 
to establish convalescence, or cimicifuga is good when 
there is nervous excitement, with threatened spasms. 

If we would prevent and cut short an attack of delirium 
tremens, I would advise lobelia. Give it at any stage of 
the case, teaspoonful dose of the tincture. 

Establish convalescence on bitter tonics, and prohibit 
the use of alcoholic stimulants. 

I have, for years, abandoned the use of spirits in medi- 
cine, only to a limited extent, and am convinced it is the 
true principle. 

DENTITION. 

This subject properly belongs to diseases of children, 
and is duly considered in my work on that subject ; but I 
will give a more extended description here, as the subject 
properly takes in several troublesome and painful diseases. 
With healthy children, there is very little difficulty or dis- 
tress in teething. The parts which stand in the way of 
outward progress of the teeth, give way so rapidly that 
the teeth come through with scarcely any constitutional dis- 
turbance. 

The only disturbance noticed, is slight pain and tight- 
ness of the gums, increased flow of saliva, a slight diar- 



106 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

rhoea, and increased sensitiveness of the nervous system. 

With weakly or strumous infants, there is liable to be 
a great deal of trouble, and the period of dentition is 
looked forward to as the most critical stage of infancy. 

Dentition, as a general rule, commences six months 
after birth, and ends at ten and a half years, though what 
are called the wisdom teeth, or last that appear, never 
come before twenty-one. The first, or deciduous, are twenty 
in number — ten upon the upper, and ten upon the lower 
jaw. They are apt to appear in the following order : 

1. Two lower incisors, or front teeth. 2. Two upper 
incisors — all of them usually appearing by the eighth 
month. 3. The lower molars, or jaw teeth. 4. The first 
upper molars, or jaw teeth. These generally appear from 
the twelfth to the eighteenth month. 5. The lower canine, 
or stomach teeth. 6. Upper canine, or eye-teeth. These 
usually appear from the fifteenth to the eighteenth month, 
and from two years to two and a half years, the four last 
molars, or jaw teeth. I have simply laid this down as a 
rule, to which there are many exceptions, as some children 
are very irregular in teething. 

The pressure of the teeth upon the nerves may cause 
many and varied symptoms, such as fever, diarrhoea, spas- 
modic twitching, restless, feverish symptoms, and some- 
times a cough. 

The diarrhoea is but an effort of nature to relieve the 
system, and if not severe, should not be checked, as a 
sudden stoppage of the bowels is more to be dreaded than 
the looseness. Sometimes, however, the diarrhoea is such 
as to demand attention. Then nothing acts so well or 
prompt as the comp. syrup rhei et potassa. , one teaspoon- 
ful every hour until relieved. This is, in plain language, 
compound syrup of rhubarb and potassa., or the neutrali- 
zing mixture. 

Occasionally we have constipation of the bowels, then 
a tea of butternut bark, or rather, ten drops of the fluid 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 107 

extract will have a happy effect. Constipation always ag- 
gravates the symptoms, and we should avoid extremes 
either way. 

General Treatment. — If there is much fever, give ten 
drops tinct. green root gelseminum three times a day. If 
the gums are hot and swelled, give the child cold water, 
and bathe the gums with the same every two hours. 

I never have to resort to cutting of the gums. It is un- 
natural, and, if properly treated, uncalled for. Give the 
child a rubber ring, or something to press the gums upon. 
Do not doctor it too much, and nature will be sufficient to 
accomplish the process of dentition, which science and art 
have never- been able to do. Frequent bathing with cold 
water will do good, and should never be omitted. From 
sympathy the glands under the jaw sometimes swell, but 
soon disappear when the cause is removed. 

The diet is all important. If the mother's milk agrees 
with it, that is sufficient ; if not, milk from a healthy cow 
or goat will be best ; boil for a few moments before giving 
to the child. When the bowels continue troublesome, 
give from a half to a teaspoonful of syrup anise after each 
operation. This will change the nature of the discharge, in 
a short time quiet the little sufferer, and give the nurse and 
mother rest, without the risk and danger attending the ad- 
ministration of Godfrey's cordial, Winslow's syrup, etc. 
Where the child is debilitated, feeble and weak generally, 
there is nothing better than the hypophosphites of soda, 
lime and iron — a syrup prepared as directed in another 
part of this work. 

TOOTHACHE. 

Toothache from caries of the teeth or decay of the sub- 
stance or structure of the teeth, appears to be but imper- 
fectly understood. In many families we find a hereditary 
tendency to caries of the teeth. Inflammatory diseases 
of infancy and childhood, operating upon the teeth, are 
more disastrous to the young and tender texture than any 



108 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

other cause except mercury. The almost universal use of 
this deadly mineral at the present day is more destructive 
to the teeth than all' other causes combined. 

Physicians prescribe it, people prescribe and take blue- 
pills on their own hook, and no wonder that we have de- 
cayed teeth, salivating to such an extent that the gums 
rot and drop off next the organic structure of the teeth. 

Treatment. — Plugging may sometimes save the teeth 
for years, but there are many cases where the destructive 
tendency is so great that filling rather seems to aggravate 
or hasten the decay. 

Local Remedies. — If taken in the very first beginning, 
creosote may have a tendency to arrest the decay of the 
teeth, and will relieve toothache from that cause. 

To kill out the nerve of a tooth there is nothing better 
than a solution of chloride of zinc. Apply on cotton. 

Toothache from Necrosis of the Fangs. 

The tooth may appear perfectly sound externally, and 
yet the fangs be necrosised or decayed. Abscess forms 
at the bottom of the process, or end of the fangs become 
enlarged from a bony deposit. 

For necrosis there is only one sure remedy — extraction. 
Painting an exposed fang with carbolic acid will greatly 
relieve it. 

Toothache from Neuralgia. 

This is invariably due to one of three causes, (except 
when it originates from cold) : poison of rheumatism, or 
poison of mercury, or syphilitic poisoning. 

Symptoms. — Intense pain in the teeth, face and ears. 
More severe in the evening after lying down. Sometimes 
the gums are hot and swollen, feel as if ulcerated, redness 
and swelling of cheek, and dryness of mouth, tooth feels 
longer than the others. 

When it comes from rheumatic poisoning, it is best 
treated by alkaline baths and quinine. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 109 

When due to mercurial poison, give the alterative syrup 
as directed. 

Gum Boils. 

Caused from decayed fangs getting up an irritation, etc. 
They may occur around sound teeth, but very seldom. 
The tooth is raised from its socket, becomes loose, and 
feels too long. They are often very painful. 

There are only two means of cure : Puncture the gums, 
and let them bleed freely ; or, have the tooth extracted. 

DIABETIS. 

This is an affection of the system, dependent on, or aris- 
ing from, a disordered state of the digestion, with a defect 
in assimilation or proper taking up of what is taken into 
the system. 

It is characterized by a secretion of a large quantity of 
urine, containing glucose or grape sugar. In this condi- 
tion starch is converted into sugar, and that is taken up 
and conveyed into the blood and urine. 

Cause — The primary cause of diabetis is a morbid con- 
dition of the digestive organs, and organs of assimilation, 
which favors the formation of sugar from the starchy, or 
farinaceous substances introduced into the alimentary 
canal, and its absorption into the blood and urine. 

The functions of the stomach are liable to be disturbed 
by various natural causes, and many accidental, or artificial, 
circumstances, that operate upon the human economy. In 
this disease, a disordered condition of the digestive functions 
is a primary symptom. We have uneasy sensation, slight 
pain, and fullness in the stomach after eating ; appetite 
sometimes impaired, and then, again, increased; eructation, 
or belching, nausea, vomiting, dryness of the mouth and 
tongue. The digestive apparatus elaborates thoroughly 
and perfectly, in health, a certain portion of chyle, and the 
assimilative organs take it up, and appropriate it in a cer- 
tain manner for the purpose of the economy — a portion to 



110 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

the blood, a portion to the muscular structure, nerves, etc. 
Let the apparatus be impaired, or its functions suspended, 
or, let the cause be moral, mental, or physical, the result is, 
we have an abnormal elaboration. 

When all these functions work in harmony, it is one 
among the most magnificent works of the human machin- 
ery, and no wonder that interruptions here cause untold 
trouble in some direction. We may disturb this harmony 
by mental emotions, grief, anger, fear, disappointment ; in 
a word, excessive mental emotions, of any kind, often sus- 
pend the digestive and assimilating functions. Drugs, 
stimulants — such as liquor, tobacco, tea — sedentary habits, 
fatigue, want of sleep, accummulated bile, hard, indigestible 
or improper diet, may, and do, to a certain extent, impair 
the healthy functions of the stomach. 

In this glucose condition, we do not have it come on all 
at once ; it is slow, but surely progressive. We have a 
feeling of depression, weakness, feverishness ; the secretion 
of urine gradually begins to increase ; it has an apple-like 
odor, and high specific gravity. The thirst is intense, 
appetite voracious, and for all that the digestive functions 
are perverted, and the food is but imperfectly converted, or 
appropriated to the support of the different functions, we 
have an abundant elaboration of saccharine, or sugary 
matter; an increased activity of the absorbents, and this 
sugar is taken up and conveyed into the blood and urine. 
We have, about this stage of the disease, dryness of skin, 
constipation, hardened and impacted fceces. We have a 
general letting down, extreme muscular and mucous debil- 
ity, loss of procreative powers, pain in hips, back and 
sides cold feet, burning of the hands (the palms) and soles 
of the feet. We have a decrease in weight, debility in- 
creases ; and, in a word, we have a wasting of the whole 
body. We have swelling of the feet and legs, and albu- 
minuria in the latter stage. We shall find even the breath 
perverted, and an odor like chloroform. We have spon- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. Ill 

giness of the gums, and caries of the teeth; mental and 
physical depression, sinking, all-gone feeling at the stom- 
ach; insatiable appetite, both for food and drink. We 
have a tendency to boils, phthisis, and death finally results 
from the appearance of some other disease — such as bron- 
chitis, pleurisy, gangrene, or exhaustion. 

Now, I will not enter into an elaborate statement of the 
various tests or appearances by which we detect this dis- 
ease, as it would be a useless waste of time, as the com- 
mon reader is not supposed to have the means or appliances 
at hand. We may know with what we have to contend 
by the symptoms evidenced, and the tremendous increased 
flow of urine. The urine varies from a few quarts, to three 
or four gallons a day. 

Treatment. — In this disease we have a perverted action 
of the digestive organs, and this perversion or derangement 
is usually due to some disease of the brain, or nerve cen- 
tre. The healthy action of the pneumogastric nerve is 
interrupted, hence, the organ it supplies (the stomach) does 
its work but imperfectly. This is fully demonstrated by 
the conversion of starch into sugar, thus affording material 
for perpetuating the malady. Now, in commencing our 
treatment, we must enforce a rigid course of dietetics. 

We must carefully avoid all saccharine or starchy arti- 
cles of food, while at the same time we must prescribe a 
nutritious course of diet, such as game, milk, fruit, fish, 
beef, and other articles of like character. 

A sea voyage would be advisable, if practicable ; if not, 
salt water baths daily ; gluten bread, that is, flour deprived 
of its starch ; eggs, oysters, milk ; any vegetable that 
does not consist of, or contain, feculent matter, may be al- 
lowed. The body should be carefully protected with flan- 
nel. Exercise in moderation, always in the open air. 

In the medicinal treatment, tonics and alteratives are our 
main reliance. 



112 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

R. Tinct. cinchona comp 8 oz. 

Tinct. nux vomica J oz. 

Dilut. phosphoric acid 2 oz. 

Glycerine 6^ oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. After meals 
give twenty drops muriatic acid in a wine-glass of water ; 
or, in place of that, give creasote, say, two drops three 
times a day. Sesqui carbonate of ammonia, in five-grain 
doses, acts well in many cases. 

Permanganate of potass, acts well in most cases ; give 
one-fourth grain in two ounces of water to begin with, and 
increase to two or three grains, three James a day. 

In some cases cod liver oil acts well. Apply a strength- 
ening plaster over the region of the kidneys, and let re- 
main until it drops off. 

DIARRHOEA. 

If the absorbing powers of the intestines are defective, 
the consequences are excess in the quantity of matter that 
passes through them. That which ought to be taken up, 
is carried along, and constitutes a diarrhoea. It may de- 
pend on a variety of causes, as a relaxed condition of the 
bowels, improper diet, unripe fruit, hard, indigestible sub- 
stances taken into the stomach. 

We may divide the disease according to the appearance 
of the discharge. We have several varieties, first of which 
is — 

Feculent Diarrhoea. 
This usually results from over- feeding in children, and 
over-eating in grown people. The prominent symptoms 
of this form of diarrhoea is, looseness of the bowels, with, 
or without, griping pain, frequent discharge of thin, watery 
matter, undigested food, usually of an acid nature. This 
condition is accompanied by partial or complete loss of 
appetite, pain in the stomach, swelling and tenderness in 
the lower part of the abdomen. We may have nausea and 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 113 

vomiting, urine scanty, etc. The discharges are painful, 
usually, though sometimes without pain. We may have 
mucous, or purulent discharge. 

Cause. — The cause of this form of diarrhoea is, either 
dentition or worms, and sometimes is due to irritating food 
in the stomach. I will also mention sudden changes of 
temperature as among the causes. If the diarrhoea depends 
upon dentition, we must treat the case as directed under 
that head. 

Treatment. — Give the neutralizing cordial, three or four 
times a day, in teaspoonful dose. Give leptandrin, in small 
dose, once a day, say J a grain. Salt-water baths, daily, 
with warmth to the spine and bowels. The diet is an im- 
portant element, and should be carefully attended to. We 
must have something to supply nutrition, without taxing 
the digestive organs. Milk and lime-water is excellent ; 
arrow root, corn starch (with nutmeg), rice-flour, Irish 
potatoes, etc., are among the best articles. 

Bilious Diarrhoea. 

This is the next simplest form of diarrhoea. 

We have a large amount of bile thrown off from the 
biliary ducts without corresponding absorption, and this, 
of course, adds largely to the amount of matter thrown off. 
This condition may be brought about by cold, mental 
emotion, irritation, and from want of action in the secre- 
ting system. Persons of a bilious, or phleghmatic tem- 
perament, are more subject to it than any other class. In 
such patients, we sometimes have the bile deficient, and 
then, again, poured out to excess. Irritation of the stom- 
ach, or intestine that leads from the stomach, causes the 
bile to be retained in the liver and gall-bladder, until it is 
unfit for absorption. 

Symptoms. — We can always detect bilious diarrhoea by 
the peculiar odor and look of putrescence of undigested 
matter. If the discharge is mucous, and mixed with blood, 
we recommend in the treatment, an occasional dose of one- 



114 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

half grain of podophyllin, and twenty-five drops of nitro- 
muriatic acid, diluted. 

Serous Diarrhoea. 

Aqueous, or watery, discharges — profuse, constant, and 
exhausting. It comes from an excessive accumulation, 
and want of absorption. In this form of diarrhoea we have 
a sort of congestion of the vessels, or veins, that supply 
the intestines. We have deficient vitality in the mucous 
membrane, and, finally, ulceration of the bowels. 

Treatment. — In treating this form, we must have an 
eye to the diet. Apply stimulating liniment to the bow- 
els, keep the patient in bed, and we will give, in connec- 
tion — 

R. Comp. tinct. cinchona 1 oz. 

Nitro muriatic acid 1 oz. 

Mix, and give forty drops three or four times a day. 
Alternate with — 

R. Tinct. gelseminum 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. cranesbill 1 oz. 

Dose, twenty-five drops every two hours. We meet 
with cases where the sub-nitrate of bismuth acts well. 
Nux vomica acts well, ten drops of the tincture three times 
a day. It acts as a nerve stimulant to the bowels, and is 
advisable where there is nervous depression and weakness. 
Muco Purulent Diarrhoea. 

In this form we have, in addition to the watery form, 
particles of mucous mixed with the stool, and a shred-like 
substance, (fibre) and similar flake blood globules, the 
peculiar lining membrane of the bowels. The discharge 
partakes of an alkaline nature. 

Treatment. — We should treat with the nitro-muriatic 
acid and tonics, among which we shall find none act better 
than prunis vir., or wild cherry. The stools become pu- 
trid, and, to correct that, we might give an occasional dose 
of prepared charcoal. 



of domesticTmedicine. 115 

Chronic Diarrhoea. 

Either form of the above may produce chronic diar- 
rhoea, if long neglected, and this is too well understood 
by its victims to need an extended description. 

I have rarely failed to cure chronic diarrhoea, and the 
following is my first prescription : 

R. Fluid ext. poplar bark 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. prunis vir 1 oz. 

Geranium mac 1 oz. 

Myrica cerif. , 1 oz. 

Ham amelis , 1 oz. 

Mix with one-half pint of syrup and half-pint French 
brandy, and take one-half wine-glass before each meal. 
Take after meals : 

R. Tinct. nux vomica \ oz. 

Tinct. sanguinaria J oz. 

Fluid extract diascorea J oz. 

Mix. Dose, twenty- five drops after each meal. 
Bathe the bowels with stimulating liniment mentioned 
under that head. Under this treatment, and a generous, 
nutritious diet, you will soon have your patient well. 

DIETETICS. 

Volumes of nonsense have been written upon this sub- 
ject, and many have been starved to death, believing absti- 
nence the very life of them. I have found a good rule in 
practice — and one I have adopted for years past — is, leave 
the diet to the capacity of the stomach, and to this end I 
always direct whatever best agrees with the stomach and 
taste. Now, no physician, no matter how learned he be, 
can dictate to my taste and digestive organs what I can, or 
will, eat — I am, in this, my own judge. 

When the vital powers are weak, the powers of digestion 
impaired, we should select the most nutritious diet that 
requires least time and labor to digest. Now, we hear one 
8 



116 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

say, never take liquids with the meals, but there are cer 
tain conditions when this is just what we want, for when 
the stomach fails, we must leave the digestive process more 
to the bowels, this we are compelled to do in some diseases 
of the stomach, ulcer, cancer, inflammation of the mucous 
membrane. We shall know when this rule is to be applied, 
when we have weight and pain after meals, heart-burn, 
acidity, and vomiting of fermented, or unaltered food. 

There are conditions where we must spare the stomach 
both the mechanical and chemical toil. The mechanical 
being the hardest, is most desirable to avoid, and to this 
end we advise the use of liquids with the meals, in this case. 
People sometimes eat now. to avoid hunger hereafter. 
This is all wrong, and extremely injurious to the healthy. 
We should never force food upon an unwilling stomach. 
We may tempt the appetite to get up a desire for food, 
but never take it without the stomach demands it. Again, 
no one class of diet is at all applicable for everyone, nor is 
the same diet sufficient for the same individual at all times. 
We require a mixed diet, and varied to suit season, hour 
and circumstances, and, by way of advice, I would advise 
obese or fat people to avoid liquids with, or just after, their 
meals, as it aids the formation of fat. We also have some 
cases of impoverished blood and diseases of the liver, that 
suffer from the free use of liquids, &c. Now the chemical 
toils of the stomach may be spared by giving it less to di- 
gest, and more to digest with. Do not take into the stomach 
solid lumps of albuminous food. If you take sweet milk into 
an acid stomach it almost instantly coagulates, but by mixing 
a portion of lime water with it, this tendency is overcome, and 
just here I would remark, every family should keep several 
bottles of filtered lime-water on hand, ready for use. You 
can readily make it by steeping the lime (fresh) in water, 
let it stand two or three days, then strain or filter through 
thin cloth, and bottle for use. This milk and lime-water 
will sustain life and often, by giving the stomach rest, will 
correct deranged or imperfect digestion. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 117 

Next, in point of solubility, is a good soup, fresh, not 
too long cooked, and, really, it is best not to boil it at all, 
as, by boiling, we often have it filled with innutritious 
gelatin, or hard-boiled albumen. Soups should not be too 
high seasoned, as it is more readily absorbed. Meat is 
nutritious only in proportion as it is tender, and easily 
digested ; fat meat is of doubtful utility, as it often prevents 
the soaking in, or taking up, of the gastric juice. 

Now, without entering on an extended or scientific essay, 
on the manner of cooking, and what to cook, after the 
order of some, I will give a list of the articles in common 
use, with the time required to digest, and rate per cent, of 
nutrition furnished. 

I shall not follow in the footsteps of those who treat the 
reader as though they would — 

" Cram the word into their ears, 
Against the stomach of their senses. " 

No man, nor doctor, ever has been , or ever will be, able 
to overthrow the laws of Nature. 

In Genesis, ix., 3, we have the declaration: "Every 
moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you ; even as the 
green herbs, have I given you all things. " 

Reason and natural instinct should govern us, and not 
Dr. Graham's theory, who, though expecting to live ever- 
lasting on the bread that bears his name, died in early life, 
and, no doubt, from his system of diet. As well try to 
make all mankind use the saw, or the ax, as to say all man- 
kind should adopt one course of diet. 

It is useless to argue on this point, as I feel that I am 
writing for men and women of sufficient intelligence to fully 
appreciate my position. 

We take the following from "Pereira, on Food and 
Diet. " You can select from the list such only as you think 
suited to your capacity : 



118 



THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 



Articles. h. m. 

Rice, boiled 1:00 

Pigs feet, soused, boiled 1 1:00 

Tripe, soused, boiled 1:00 

Eggs, whipped, raw 1:30 

Salmon, trout, fresh, boil- 
ed -1:30 

Salmon, trout, fresh, friedi:3o 

Soup, barley, boiled 1:30 

Apples, sweet, mellow, 

raw _. 1:30 

Venison, steak, broiled. 1:35 
Animal, brains, boiled.. 1:45 

Sago, boiled... -1:45 

Tapioca, boiled 2:00 

Bailey, boiled .2:00 

Milk, boiled.- 2:00 

Beef, liver, fresh, broiled. 2:00 

Eggs, fresh, raw 2:00 

Codfish, cured, dry 2:00 

Apples, sour, mellow, 

raw .2:00 

Cabbage, with vinegar, 

raw 2:00 

MiU, raw 2:15 

Eggs, fresn, roasted 2:15 

Turkey, wild, roasted. -2:18 
Turkey, domestic, boil- 
ed 2:25 

Gelatine, boiled 2:30 

Turkey, domestic, roast- 
ed 2:30 

Goose, wild, roasted 2:30 

Pig. suckling, roasted- -2:30 

Lamb, fresh, boiled 2:30 

Hash, meat and vegeta- 
bles, warm, 2:30 

Beans, pod, boiled 2:30 

Cake, sponge, baked 2:30 



Parsnips, boiled 2 

Potatoes, roasted or bak- 
ed 2: 

Cabbage, raw 2: 

Animal, spinal, marrow, 
boiled 2 

Chickens, full grown, fri- 
casseed 2 

Custard, baked-. 2 

Beef, with salt only, broil- 
ed -_ 2 

Apple, sour, raw, hard _ _ 2 

Oysters, fresh, raw 2 

Eggs, fresh, soft-boiled_3 
Bass, fresh, striped, boil- 
ed 3 

Beef, fresh, lean, rare- 

roasted .3 

Beefsteak, broiled 3 

Pork, recently salted, 

raw 3 

Pork, recently salted, 

stewed 3 

Mutton, fresh, boiled. -3 
Mutton, iresh, broiled. .3 

Chicken soup, boiled 3 

Maccaroni, boned .3 

Apple dumpling, Doiled-3 

Corn cakes, baked 3 

Oysters, fresh, roasted. .3 
Pork, recently salted, 

broiled 3 

Porksteak, broiled 3 

Mutton, fresh, roasted. .3 

Corn bread, baked 3 

Carrot, boiled 3 

Sausage, fresh, broiled. .3 
Flounder, fresh, fried. .3 
Catfish, fresn, fried- _. .3 



: 3 o 

30 
: 3 o 

:45 

:45 
:45 

:45 
-50 

•55 
:oo 

:oo 

:oo 
.00 

00 

00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 
00 

15 

15 

15 
15 
15 

15 

20 

3° 
3° 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 



119 



Articles. h. m. 

Oysters, fresh, stewed. -3:30 

Beef, fresh, lean, dry 3:30 

Beef, with mustard, boil- 
ed 3:30 

Cheese, old, strong, raw_ 3:30 

Mutton soup, boiled 3:30 

Bread, wheat, fresh, bak- 
ed 3:30 

Turnips, boiled 3: 30 

Potatoes, boiled 3:30 

Eggs, f-esh, hard boiled .3:30 

Eggs, fresh, fried 3:30 

Green corn and beans, 

boiled 3:45 

Beets, boiled 3:45 

Salmon, salted, boiled. .4:00 

Beef, fried 4:00 

Veal, fresh, broiled 4:00 

Fowl, domestic, boiled. .4:00 
Fowl, domestic, roasted_4:oo 



Articles. h. m. 
Ducks, domestic, roast- 
ed 4:00 

Soup, vegetables and 

bread 4:00 

Heart, animal, fried 4:00 

Beef, old, hard, salted, 

boiled 4:15 

Pork, recently salted, 

fried 4:15 

Soup, marrowbone, boil- 
ed 4:15 

Cartilage, boiled 4:15 

Pork, recently salted, 

boiled 4:30 

Veal, fresh, fried... 4:30 

Ducks, wild, roasted 4:30 

Suet, mutton, boiled 4:30 

Pork, fat and lean, roast- 
ed 5:15 

Tendon, boiled 5:30 

Suet, beef, fresh 5:30 



Above we have given our readers a hint of what is di 
gestible. Blessed is he that reads, understandeth and 
keepeth the things therein. They will save much of sick- 
ness, much of pain, and many a nightmare, and bad dream, 
and prevent disease — eat whatever agrees with you best, 
and always in moderation. 

DIPHTHERIA. 

An epidemic and contagious disease, depending upon a 
specific poison primarily affecting the nervous system, as is 
shown by the vital depression, loss of power, and, second- 
arily, in the blood as is shown by false membranes in 
tonsils and throat. The poison acts upon those of strumous, 
scrofulous, or syphilitic taint, and those of broken down 
constitution. 



120 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Symptoms. — The characteristic symptoms of diphtheria : 
violent vomiting of a tfrin yellowish white matter, of ex- 
tremely offensive character, sometimes accompanied with 
purging of like character. This is usually followed by 
prostration and stupor, skin hot, pulse runs from 100 to 140, 
tongue scarlet, thirst intense, and drink taken with great 
greediness. The odor of the breath is peculiar, and ex- 
tremely offensive, infected by a specific poison operating 
on the secretion of the parts affected, and affects the blood 
and nervous system. The appearance of the tonsil soft, 
palate back of pharynx presents a white, shining appear- 
ance, and the same gelatine like, tenacious fluid hangs from 
the velum to the tongue over the whole back portion of 
the throat. After a few hours the condition of the throat 
changes, and the whole symptoms change. The stupor 
gives w r ay to delirium, high fever and quick, difficult breath- 
ing, cough, croupy symptoms, neck swollen and flushed, 
tongue, coated in whitish spots before, now changes to a 
thick, plastic deposit. 

If the treatment fails, or the remedies are not applied in 
time, we have a subsiding of the delirium, vital force fails, 
choking and suffocation ; the sufferer catches at his throat, 
tries to open his mouth, retains power of swallowing, pur- 
ple spots appear on the extremities, muttering, delirium, 
convulsions, and death. 

This poison seems to have two special affinities — one to 
the nervous system, and the other to the blood, and 
through that agency to the mucous membrane. It invades 
the respiratory passage, the nasal, the larynx and trachea, 
or — in common language — windpipe. The characteristic 
feature is the peculiar plastic deposit ; we meet with them, 
where we can make no better comparison than the appear- 
ance of washed leather, first appearing in spots or patches, 
but these soon coalesce and run together ; about this time 
the deposits increase in thickness and are firmly attached to 
the mucous membrane beneath. You may remove them, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 121 

but they soon reappear, increasing and spreading to all the 
surrounding parts. 

When this membrane separates and begins to decompose, 
the breath becomes horribly offensive, and its disappear- 
ance may be followed by ulceration, sloughing, gangrene, 
or resolution. We sometimes have diptheria patches on 
other mucous membranes than the throat, for instance, on 
the conjunctivia, (eye), vagina, and rectum. 

As the poison of diptheria acting on the blood destroys 
the fibrin — hemorrhages are not uncommon as a sequel to 
the disease, and may take place from nose, throat, bronchi, 
and death may result from exhaustion. 

Treatment. — Recovery, under the best of treatment, is 
slow, and the blood is left so thin — so deficient in the red 
principles, that secondary affections are very liable to ap- 
pear, flabby heart, affections of the nervous system, as 
paralysis, neuralgia and amorausis, from exhaustion. We 
should lose no time in arresting the disease if possible. 

If we see the patient in time, I would advise the admin, 
istering of a free emetic of lobelia comp. This must be 
given in the early stage or it will do no good. In addi- 
tion, we would follow with a spirit vapor bath that is, have 
a hot brick, and gradually pour alcohol or other spirits on 
l t, confining the steam to the person. 

A general sponging of the body with warm alkaline 
baths, soda dissolved in water, is good. I would advise a 
diet of essence of beef, white of cgg^ cream, wine and beef 
tea, a toddy occasionally, or, if the patient can afford it, 
champagne and ice. The pulse must be kept at 72°, and 
to meet this we would give tinct. aconite, 10 drops in 
water every three or four hours. We would give at the 
same time tinct. chloride of iron, say 15 drops every four 
hours, and between these doses give J grain permanganate 
potass. For a drink we would give wine whey, we would 
follow this up. We have more faith in the use of perman- 
ganate of potass, than all else combined, and would advise 



122 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

it in doses of J to J grains, four or five times daily. All 
local applications, more than to keep the throat moist, are 
useless. We could use the atomizer to advantage here, 
and nothing will be better than the permanganate of potass, 
in solution, use it every two hours. If you have not an 
atomizer, then an improvised inhaler, say a small coffee- 
pot, with hot water on the permanganate, 14 grains to a pint 
of water. When the patient can gargle, use sulphate hy- 
drastia, or the permanganate of potass. Establish conva- 
lescence on salt-water bath, iron and cinchona as tonic. 

R. Tinct. ferri chlorid 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. cinchona comp. 1 oz. 

Mix. Dose, 20 drops four times a day. 

As before remarked, I have strong faith that perman- 
ganate of potass, internally, and as a gargle, or by inhalation, 
will cure or cut short any case of diphtheria, if taken in 
time. 

I have found the baptista, or wild indigo, excellent, 10 
drops ot the fluid extract four times a day. Children are 
often contaminated, or the disease conveyed to them, by 
kissing those who have it. I prefer not so much kissing 
of children, any way, especially when there is so much risk. 

DISEASE. 

The relative liability of the sexes to different diseases is 
a subject worthy the attention of the profession, and the 
people. 

We propose, in this article, to give the names of differ- 
ent diseases that show a partiality for the male, and those, 
also, which are common to the female. We refer to dis- 
eases that are common to both sex. The idea seems to 
have become universal, that woman, owing to her weaker 
frame, and the numerous diseases peculiar to her sex, is 
more liable to dangerous illness and, consequently, earlier 
death than men. Such, however, is not the case ; woman 
oftener attains to extreme old age than her sterner partner , 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 123 

in the struggle for existence. Manhood's risks are many 
and great. Being more exposed in the daily pursuits and 
occupations, necessary to obtain a sustenance, he is more 
liable to sudden and dangerous illness than woman. War, 
which costs woman her tears, costs man his blood ; for him 
are the temptations of the intoxicating cup mainly reserved ; 
the excitement of speculation, and the obligations incurred, 
for the sake of his family, sometimes prey heavier upon 
him than a casual observer will be willing to admit. Add 
to this, unhappy domestic relations, which are, unfortu- 
nately, too common, and we can well imagine that his 
powers of reaction, in overcoming disease, must be 
limited. Woman's risk of maternity will not counter- 
balance these. 

The character of diseases more frequently met with in 
the male sex is another explanation of my position. I will 
now proceed with the enumeration : 

Apoplexy. 

This dangerous disease is met with in nine males to one 
female. It is partly caused by the intemperate use of fer- 
mented liquors ; and this, in part, accounts for the dispar- 
ity. The excessive use of tobacco and alcoholic stimulants 
predisposes to congestion of the brain, and, as their use is 
mainly confined to the male, the cause is easily explained. 

Asthma. 
Nearly eighty per cent, of the cases of asthma that have 
come under my care are males. 

Aneurism. 

More than seven-eighths of the cases of aneurism occur 
in the male. This is, in part, due to occupation, and habits 
that weaken the coats of the arteries ; also, liability to fatty 
degeneration of the coats. 

Bronchitis. 

Men are more liable to inflammation of the bronchial 



124 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

tubes than women. Their greater exposure, or out-door 
life, accounts for this. 

Cancer. 

This disease is about four women to one man. The 
breast is the most common seat of the disease. 

Consumption. 
This disease makes more victims among the female than 
the male sex. We notice that the larger number of con- 
sumptives are light complexioned, brown eyes, and light or 
fair hair. 

Constipation. 

This, and its attendant evils, is more frequent in females 
owing to sedentary habits, etc. 

Dropsy. 
Dropsical effusions are more frequent in the male sex, 
from 40 to 50. Nine males to four females die of dropsy ; 
after 50, fourteen males to six females. 

Epilepsy. 
With the exception of the French, this disease is more 
prone to attack males than females ; and is more fatal, the 
world over, in the male than in the female, and, I may add, 
this is true of all nervous diseases ; reaction in the male 
is more difficult. 

Enlargement of the Liver. 
This occurs more frequently in females, from the habit 
of tight lacing, so much resorted to by fashionable women. 

Gout. 
Few women suffer from gout, and never before the 
change of life. 

Headache. 

Few women are exempt from attacks of headache, while 
many men are never troubled with it at all. Intensity of 
pain depends upon the susceptibility, or capacity of suf- 
fering of the individual. Headache is produced in the 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 125 

male from late hours, improper food or habits of eating, 
dissipation, excesses, prolonged mental toil, business anx- 
ieties, and want of exercise. 

In the female, exposure to the night air when too thinly- 
clad, to tight lacing, to sedentary, indoor life, and impru- 
dence at times with family cares, are the main causes. 

Heart Disease. 
Organic diseases of the heart are much more common in 
the male sex. Females are more liable to sympathetic dis- 
eases of the heart, palpitation, etc. 

Insanity. 
There is, according to statistics, 53 per cent, of males 
to 46 of females afflicted with insanity. Women are more 
liable from 20 to 40, and men from 40 to 60. 

Hysteria. 
This is very nearly monopolized by the female, though 
not entirely. Men, sometimes, under various excitements, 
have real hysteric attacks. I have met with several cases 
myself. 

Pneumonia. 
Or lung fever, occurs much more frequently among males 
than females. I attribute this to the fact that men are 
more exposed to the changes and vicissitudes of the weather. 

Rheumatism. 

Prior to the age of 40, more men suffer and die of rheu- 
matic affections than females. After 40 the relative num- 
ber is much greater in the females. 

St. Vitus' Dance. 
This disease is an exception and is more frequent and 
more fatal among females than males. 

Stone in the Bladder. 
This is common to men in some sections, but rarely met 
^itri in women. 



126 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Neuralgia, 

Is more common among males than females, on account 
of exposure, etc. That form of neuralgia. Hemacrania, is 
more common among females. 

Typhoid Fever. 

Women are less subject to this affection than men, and 
the mortality is greater among the male patients. Thus ? 
it will be seen, that among diseases not peculiar to the 
sexual system, the most formidable and dangerous attack 
the male oftener than the female, and the chances of re- 
covery are far better in the female. 

DROPSY. 

This is a mere symptom of some diseased condition. 
The three most common forms of effusion are, hydrothorax, 
or dropsy dependent upon some valvular disease of the 
heart, oftener an effusion from pleurisy ; ascitis, or dropsy 
of the abdomen, is merely dependent upon some struc- 
tural disease of the liver ; anasarca — where there is a gen- 
eral effusion — most commonly dependent upon diseases of 
the kidneys, such as nephritis, or inflammation, congestion, 
and fatty degeneration ; this being the case, the capacity 
of the kidneys are diminished, and the urea is thrown into 
the blood. 

Dropsy is sometimes a symptom of debility, anaemia, 
pressure, or inflammation. We have, for example, the 
result of inflammation in hydrocele, hydrocephalus, 
hydrops, pericardium. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of any particular form of 
dropsy, we must remove the effusion, and, with that, the 
cause. To do this, we must throw off the effusion through 
the skin, kidneys, and bowels. To this end, we must use 
diaphoretic diuretics, cathartics, and alterative tonics. As 
a diaphoretic, the diaphoretic powders, three times a day, 
as directed under that head ; or, in place of that — 

R. Comp. tinct. serpentaria 1 oz. 

Fluid extract asclepias 1 oz. 

Mix. Dose, thirty drops every three hours. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 127 

As a purgative, or cathartic — 

R. Podophyllin 20 gr. 

Nitrate potass 20 gr. 

Bitartrate potass 2 oz. 

Mix and divide into ten powders. Give one every three 
hours, till they act ; or, what is more readily prepared, and 
equally good, add two grains of podophyllin to a teaspoon- 
ful of creamor tartar, and take, in a wineglass of water, at 
night. Repeat every night, till too active. Give, during 
the day, — 

R. Fluid ext. buchu comp ^ 

" " hydrangia .Of each, 

" " Eupatorium f 2 oz. 

" " Uva ursi J 

Holland gin 1 pint. 

Dose, one teaspoonful, given before each meal. 
In chronic cases, I often give the compound syrup frost- 
wort, with iodide of potass., before each meal — one tea- 
spoonful — and, after meals, tincture chloride of iron — 
twenty drops. At night, give — 

R. Tinct. digitalis 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. apocynum can 1 oz. 

Dose, twenty drops just before retiring, and give an 
occasional dose of the podophyllin powder at night. Give 
a good, nutritious, solid diet, warm clothing, moderate 
exercise. 

DYSPEPSIA. 
•'What's rank or title, station, state or wealth, 
To that far greater worldly blessing, health ? 
What's house or land, or dress, or wine, or meat, 

If one can't rest for pain, nor sleep, nor eat, 
Nor go about in comfort? here's the question, 
What's all the world without a good digestion ? " 

Dyspepsia is a derangement of the digestive functions. 
Anything that interferes with the healthy functions of the 
stomach may produce dyspepsia. The immediate cause 
is an insufficient supply of gastric juice. The causes that 
are most prominent in bringing it about are, intemperance 



128 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

in eating and drinking, want of proper exercise, intense 
anxiety of mind, depressing influences, superfluous evacu- 
ations, intense mental application immediately after eating, 
excessive venery, and use of mercury, obstructions in the 
liver and spleen, improperly masticated food. These, and 
various other causes, so weaken the stomach that it be- 
comes incapable of performing its office. 

Symptoms. — These are very numerous, ranging through 
all the structure of the human body and involving, by 
turns, nearly all of them. 

Among the most noticeable and prominent we have 
nervous debility, sick headache, costiveness, scanty and 
painful evacuations, piles, jaundice, depression of the 
mind, oppression after eating, flatulency, disturbance of 
the stomach and bowels, heart-burn, furred tongue, sick- 
ness at the stomach, dizziness, loss of appetite, pain in the 
side, and torpor of the liver and bowels. In a more ad- 
vanced stage, we have a profuse discharge of a muco-pur- 
ulent matter, pain in chest, etc. We can better imagine 
a dyspeptic's feelings than describe them. 

Let us glance for a moment at the functions of the 
stomach. In a healthy stomach, there is no gastric juice, 
except where food is taken, which, coming in contact with 
the mucous or lining membrane, excites the secretion of the 
gastric juice in the required amount. 

This process points to the practical solution of the prob- 
lem of indigestion, and to a successful treatment of the dis- 
ease. There is a kind of telegraph between the stomach 
and nerve centre. If the stomach is in a healthy condition, 
the moment the diet is taken in the mouth, the impetus is 
telegraphed to the nerves of digestion from those of taste, 
and we have the gastric juice secreted, ready to operate 
upon the masticated food when it reaches the stomach. If 
much liquid is taken with the meals, it arrests the digestion 
or chemical action of the stomach, and transfers it to the 
bowels. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 129 

When the stomach and brain are healthy, we have a 
healthy, easy digestion, otherwise it is impeded, and we 
thus arrive at the conclusion, that a healthy digestion de- 
pends upon a healthy nervous system, and, to some extent, 
a healthy brain depends upon a healthy digestion. If the 
stomach or brain is impaired, the gastric juice will be de- 
ficient in quantity, or vitiated in quality. 

The remote symptoms of dyspepsia — the liver is always 
torpid, tongue usually coated, the eyes tinged with yel- 
low, loss of strength, the urine high colored, and'deposits 
a white sediment. The mental powers are more or less 
affected. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of every form of dyspep- 
sia, the diet should be regulated, and easily digested. Nu- 
tritious food is demanded. New bread, tough or salted 
meats, alcoholic or fermented liquors, over-exertion, ner- 
vous exhaustion, should be carefully avoided. 

We may improve digestion by rest, early hours, relaxa- 
tion, and change, salt-water bathing, cold sponging, horse- 
back riding, &c. 

Our remedial agents, and they never fail in my hands, 
are the syrup hypophosphites, before each meal. Half 
hour after meals give : 

R Tinct. nux vomica 1 oz. 

Tinct. sanguinaria J oz. 

Fluid ext. diascorea J oz. 

Mix. Dose, 20 drops in water after each meal. At night 
give : 

R. Tinct. gelseminum J oz. 

Fluid ext. populas trem J oz. 

Dose, twenty-five drops at night, before retiring. In 
taking the meals, eat slow, masticate well and rest at least 
one hour after eating. 

DYSENTERY. 
This complaint is an affection, or inflammation, of the 



130 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

alimentary canal, attended with fever, fetid or bloody evac 
uations, and appears to be contagious. It is often as in- 
tractable as Asiatic' Cholera — prevails in both city and 
country. It may be in isolated cases, but usually attacks 
great numbers in one place, while adjacent towns are free 
from it. In some instances, the inhabitants of the most 
healthy country towns are attacked with it, and die off 
in great numbers. If not speedily overcome after it appears, 
it assumes the form of bloody dysentery, and becomes 
highly dangerous. It prevails throughout the year, but 
with greatest violence during the months of July, August 
and September. 

The death rate for this disease alone, in New York City, 
amounts to quite a large per cent. 

Dysentery may be caused by whatever has a tendency to 
check perspiration. Morbid matter, or poisonous humors, 
retained in the system and thrown into the circulation, is 
mixed with the blood and thrown upon the intestines, caus- 
ing irritation and inflammation of the membranes. An at- 
tack of dysentery is sometimes preceded by a long train of 
symptoms. It is due, in some cases, to the use of un- 
wholsome food, and is more liable to appear in camps, or 
where there are great numbers required to remain in a 
small space. 

Symptoms. — The premonitory symptoms are loss of ap- 
petite, costiveness, wind in the stomach, nausea, and may 
be, slight vomiting ; usually ushered in by chills, succeeded 
by heat of skin and increased pulse. Soon after this, the 
griping and increased evacuations begin to take place. 

When the inflammation begins to occupy the lower por- 
tion of the intestinal tubes, the stools become more frequent, 
and the violent straining is accompanied with severe pain, 
and rumbling noise in the bowels. The violent efforts 
often produce copious, bloody discharges, and are extreme- 
ly weakening to the patient. 

If dysentery is not checked, we find all the symptoms 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 131 

increasing, with tendency to putrescence and general de- 
rangement of the whole nervous and muscular system. 
As soon as the disease is established we should lose no 
time in the use of remedies to remove the cause, and 
check the discharge and griping. To this end the old 
school use opium, or pilis of opium and camphor — power- 
ful astringents, etc. This is wrong in principle and prac- 
tice. We should endeavor to keep up a termination to 
the surface. The following is doubtless the best prescrip- 
tion ever used in dysentery : 

R. Fluid extract populus 1 oz. 

Fluid extract prunis vir 1 oz. 

Fluid extract gelseminum J oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, thirty drops ever three hours. 
When this has controlled the pulse and nervous system, 
give one of the eclectic pills. Then follow with, say a 
tablespoonful of the syiup hypophosphite, every four 
hours, alternate with. 

R. Tinct. myrrha comp 1 oz. 

Tinct. opium et camphor 2 oz. 

Fluid extract geranium, mac 1 oz. 

Syrup simplex 8 oz. 

Mix, and give one teaspoonful every two hours. 
In the matter of diet, we must be guarded and careful, 
we must give no cold drinks, no ice, no beef tea or soups. 
Give sago or arrow root, gruel, rice flour, water made mu- 
cilaginous with slippery elm, or gum arabic — stimulating 
applications to the bowels, among which there are none 
better than arnica liniment. 

We should establish convalescence on the syrup hypo- 
phosphites, one teaspoonful three times a day, giving eggs 
and brandy occasionally, being careful of what we eat. 
Iron comes in very well when there is ansemia. or pale, 
flabby condition of the skin and muscles. Salt water 
baths, moderate exercise, etc., etc. 



132 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

DYSPHAGIA. 

Difficulty of swallowing exists in several varieties. It 
sometime occurs from nervous irritation, especially in 
young women of an irritable nervous temperament, who 
suffer from weakness, or diseases peculiar to the sex. In 
these cases it is purely neivous, no emaciation, no pain, the 
attack comes from nervous excitement alone. Difficulty 
of swallowing may occur from spasmodic constriction of 
the pharynx, seldom met with, however. We also have 
it from mechanical injury of oesophagus, and is usually 
brought about by swallowing hard substances, or imper- 
fectly masticated food. 

Difficulty of swallowing, by producing congestion, will 
sometimes produces apoplexy. 

Treatment. — Our best remedies are relaxants. I have 
often relieved with a teaspoonful of lobelia. The following 
is also excellent : 

R. Tinct. cinchona comp 4 oz. 

Phosphoric acid dilut 1 oz. 

Tinct. nux vomica ... \ oz. 

Glycerin e 3 J oz. 

Mix, and give one teaspoonful every three hours, or three 
times a day. Should it proceed solely from nervousness, 
in females, the cause must be removed, and then give the 
solution of bromide of potass, and ammonia, as follows : 

R. Bromide potass 1 oz. 

Bromide ammonia 1 oz. 

Aqua 1 pt. 

Dose, tablespoonful, in sweetened water, before each 

meal. 

DYSPHONIA CLERICORUM. 

This is a peculiar condition of the mucous membrane 
that lines the larynx and trachea. It may be a purely 
nervous disease, or it may be a follicular disease of the 
parts. In its early stage there is no lesion, no irritation. 
After awhile we have congestion, inflammation, or relaxa- 
tion of the mucous membrane. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 133 

Symptoms. — The disease is indicated by a complete loss 
of voices, in some case ; in others, it commences with an 
uneasy sensation in the upper part of the throat, constant 
desire to swallow, and a feeling as if the throat was full ; 
expectoration of a thin, tough mucous ; gradual loss of voice 
diminution of power, hoarseness toward evening, which 
gradually increases, until there is a complete loss of voice. 
About this time we may discover unhealthy granulations 
of the throat, and the mucous follicles are filled with a 
yellow matter. We usually have great emaciation, and, as 
the disease progresses, we have all the appearance and 
symptoms of phthisis pulmonalis. 

The vocal cords were made for us to express our thoughts, 
the brain supplies the stimulus, to these actions, or rather 
the nervous energy thus co-operating with the vocal 
cords in expression, and thus saves us from disease. Now, 
if we use the vocal cords, as in monotonous reading or 
recitation, without the brain co-operating ; in other words, 
if we use the voice without being prompted by the brain 
entering into the feeling of what we utter, we create a want 
of equilibrium — disease. 

Now, among a certain class of preachers this disease is 
found, as, also, laryngitis — those who read their sermons 
without a solitary intellectual effort. The voice seldom 
fails our lawyers and stump speakers, because they give 
the whole energy of the intellect to what they say, and 
thus, the vocal powers are often improved. This is an- 
other convincing argument against affectation. A man 
better never utter a prayer, if he has to read it without 
feeling it ; he had better never preach, unless prompted by 
the brain. 

Treatment. — In the early stage the treatment should 
consistfof rest of the voice, cheerful, mental occupation. 
If the patient can afford it, a sea voyage, or residence by 
the sea shore, change of scenes. Medicinally, we should 
give the best of diet in connection with nerve tonics. 



134 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The following will be found excellent : 

R. Sulphate of hydrastia 2 dr. 

Phosphate of iron 2 dr 

Sulphate quinine ..3 gr. 

French brandy 10 oz. 

Glycerine 11 oz. 

Dose, one tablespoonful three times a day before meals; 
Give half an hour after meals : 

R. Tinct nux vomica 1 oz. 

Acid phosphoric, dil 1 dr. 

Mix. 

Dose, 25 drops, in one-fourth wine-glass of water. Lo- 
cally I would advise the use of iodine, either applied directly 
to the throat with a camels hair pencil, or in the form of 
spray with the atomizer. 

When the disease is confirmed, well established, then 
we must give a thorough course of alteratives, among 
which none rank higher than the compound syrup of frost- 
wort, with the iodide of potassia. Give a teaspoonful four 
times a day. Under this treatment the patient soon re- 
covers. Except in rare cases, the voice may never be fully 
restored. 

ECTHYMA. 

A rather uncommon skin disease, but sometimes met 
with in conjunction with eczema, and other skin diseases. 
It is an noncontagious inflammation of the skin, character- 
ized by large, red, prominent pustules, occurring upon any 
part of the body. Pustules, either distinct or isolated, 
seated upon a hard, inflamed surface, and leaves a depress- 
ed centre, and a scar remains. This disease is due to a 
morbid condition of the skin, which supervenes during the 
course of various diseases, venereal disease, scrofula, and 
scurvy. 

It is met with as an acute disease, preceded or accom- 
panied by sharp, lancinating pains, feverish condition. It 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 135 

is more frequently chronic, and caused by bad living, total 
absence of hygiene. 

Treatment. — Keep the skin clean, and pores open, by 
frequent ablution in warm alkaline bath, and give — 

R. Fluid extract alnus rub 1 oz. 

Fluid extract rumex crisp 1 oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, twenty drops, in water, three times a day. 

ECZEMA. 

Skin diseases, like all other diseases to which human 
flesh is heir, is due to some violation of the laws of nature. 
In health there is a perfect equilibrium of every organ, ev- 
ery gland in the body disturbs that harmony and we have 
disordered action, and disease in some shape must ensue. 

Neglect the laws of hygiene, take into the stomach arti- 
cles unfit for food, if the secretions do not perform their 
functions there is a loss of harmony and disease, and this 
want of healthy action shows itself often, by preference, 
upon the skin, that being the largest and most important 
gland in the body, operating in union with, or rather co- 
operating with, every organ of the human structure. For 
instance, if the functions of the liver are disturbed, how soon 
do we see its effects upon the skin ! If the kidneys are 
deranged, we have more or less trouble on the skin. Give 
hard, indigestible food, thereby preventing the functions of 
the bowels being performed regularly, or, in other words, 
paralyze or retard peristalic action, thus destroying the 
blood, and how soon do we have indications that the skin 
is systematically affected ! 

The most common condition of the mal-assimilation is 
inflammation of the skin. Erythema is applied to that 
particular condition or congestion of the skin occurring in 
superficial red patches, variable in form and extent, ap- 
pearing on every part of the body. Unless we remove the 
causes of erythema, we should have as a result — effusion. 



136 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Eczema is a result of effusion, and is attended by a dis- 
charge of serum into the sebaceous ducts of the skin, and 
from their fragile nature, they easily break down, and reveal 
moist patches of ulceration, covered with scabs or crust. 

Treatment. — This must be directed to get up a healthy 
action in all the secretory organs. 

We would commence with an active dose of Eclectic 
Pills, and follow with warm alkaline baths. Give the fol- 
lowing in teaspoonful doses every four hours : 

R. Comp. syrup yellow dock. ^ 

Comp. syrup stillingia Veach 3 oz. 

Frostwort J 

Tinct. iris versicalor 1 oz. 

Tinct. kalmia 1 oz. 

Give before meals. 

After meals, would advise : 

R. Comp. tinct. cinchona 3 oz. 

Nitro muriatic acid 2 drs. 

Dose, one teaspoonful in a half wineglass of water. 
In connection with this, we would advise a local applica- 
tion, calculated to subdue heat. 

R. Bi-carbonate of soda - \ oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Keep the skin moist with soft cloths, saturated with the 
above, and cover with oil-silk. 

Continue this treatment, in connection with a nutritious 
diet, and a cure will be accomplished in much less time than 
under any other treatment. 

EMBOLISM. 

A highly deranged condition of the blood. Met with 
in croup, diptheria. scarlatina, typhus fever, erysipelas and 
some other diseases of an inflammatory, or contagious, 
type. It is sometimes developed during pregnancy. 

In this condition, the blood is disposed to coagulate 
(clot), and stick to the walls of the blood vessels, or re- 
main in the centre of the heart. These small coagulations 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 137 

are sometimes carried forward through the larger vessels, 
and block up the smaller veins ; in fact, there is no part of 
the circulation exempt from having these clots stop and 
block up the vessel. This is a frequent cause of sudden 
deaths, many instances of which are so hard to account for, 
especially after labor and diseases, upon which this fibriniz- 
ed condition is attendant. 

I have seen large clots on the brain, lungs, and liver of 
a patient who died from this condition of the blood. 

The diagnosis is difficult, the symptoms so variable that 
we can hardly enumerate them here, so as to be certainly 
understood. 

Treatment — Perfect rest in the recumbent position 
should be rigidly enforced, a good nutritious diet, milk, 
eggs, soup, oysters, etc. Give the following before each 
meal : 

R. Bromide ammonia 2 oz. 

Aqua pura 1 pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful. After meals (say two hours 
between the two doses) give — 

R. Permanganate of potass 8 gr. 

Aqua pura 1 pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful in half wine-glass of water. In 
making these two prescriptions get pure free-stone spring 
water, or filtered rain water, as pure water is essential to 
avoid neutralizing the effects, especially upon the perman- 
ganate. 

EMPHYZEMA. 

We have two varieties of emphyzema, vascular and in- 
terlobular, vascular emphysema is an enlargement of air 
cells, and atrophy of their walls may result from fatty de- 
generation, or fibroid degeneration, a kind of intestinal 
death destroys the elasticity and contractability in the 
parts affected. 

We have extreme softness and delicacy, sometimes ob- 
literation of the blood vessels, of the affected part. Inter- 



138 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

lobular emphyzema is an infiltration of air into the inter- 
lobular areola tissues. Both forms produce shortness of 
breath, occasional paroxysms of asthma, difficulty of 
breathing, great distress, unfitting the patient for any ac- 
tive occupation, and may give rise to diseases of the heart 
and dropsy. 

Symptoms.— In all forms of emphyzema, we have difficulty 
of breathing, especially on the least exertion ; feeble 
cough, expectoration of a frothy mucous, dusky appearance, 
weakness of voice, stooping gait, loss of strength and flesh. 
We have diminished temperature, coldness of the surface, 
weak, low pulse, attacks of asthma, and arrested secretions ; 
percussion reveals unnatural clearness, heart sounds feeble, 
and, sometimes, we have a sort of displacement of the 
heart, giving to the affected side a prominent, rounded 
appearance. We have an increasing loss of vitality in the 
system, and, especially, in the pulmonary membrane. Our 
leading object in treatment should be to increase vitality. 
Non-expiration is the dangerous and injurious part o 
breathing, especially forced and arrested expiration. We 
should strictly prohibit every occupation that prevents the 
free expiration and inspiration — nothing that will cause the 
patient to hold in his breath — such as lifting heavy weights, 
digging, chopping with an ax, rowing, etc. 

Treatment. — Restorative — we must seek to restore 
vital power, and, to do this, we want to create blood — we 
want to give tone and strength to the nervous system 
through the formation of blood — good, pure blood. We 
should, therefore, recommend the very best diet ; keep the 
digestive organs healthy. We would put the patient on the 
following : 

R. Acid phos. dilute 3 oz. 

Glycerine 10 oz. 

Comp. tinct. cinchona 3 oz. 

Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

After meals, give tinct. hydrastis canadensis, or tinct. 
iron, twenty drops, in water. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 139 

Nothing of an alcoholic nature should be given, for 
nothing tends so much to degeneration here as the poison 
of alcohol. 

We may give, at night, say thirty drops tinct. lobelia, 
or — 

R. Tinct. lobelia infla 1 dr. 

Tinct. gelseminum J dr. 

Mix. Dose, twenty drops, before retiring. This will 
relieve, or prevent asthma. 

We sometimes have an unhealthy condition of the 
mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, and throat, gen- 
erally ; then a few drops of turpentine, once a day, will 
have a good effect. 

Patients of nervous temperament are more subject to 
emphyzema than any other. Those of sanguine tempera- 
ment seldom have any trouble of the kind. Expectorants 
may give temporary relief, but are of no real benefit ; they 
weaken the appetite, and impair the digestion, and prevent 
the active influence of restorative remedies. The latter is 
the only class, really, we can look to for any permanent 
good. 

ENDOCAEDITIS. 

We have, of late years, noticed that derangements of 
the heart seem to be on the increase, as also rheumatism, 
and we have rheumatism existing in the system in a latent 
form for months, even years, showing itself only through 
some other symptoms. 

The production of lactic acid in the blood, in the secre- 
tions, and its known tendency to attack peculiar tissues, and 
excite inflammatory condition, as a natural effort to rid the 
system of impurities, is the one cause I can assign for this 
increased diseased action of the circulation. 

The serous membranes that line the internal cavity of 
the heart and its reduplicate, which assists to form the valve, 
is more subject to inflammation and consequent effusion 
than any part of the body. More liable to attack the left 



140 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

than the right side of the heart, and that portion of the 
membrane is attacked oftenest that covers the valves and 
lines the orifice. It is. seldom fatal immediately, but re- 
mote effects are to be dreaded. 

Symptoms. — In Endocarditis we have fever, pulse fee- 
ble, small and intermittent, patient invariably prefers to be 
on the back, complains of great oppression and uneasiness 
over the region of the heart ; is restless and anxious, ex- 
treme difficulty of breathing, sweats, faintness, and many 
of the symptoms common to acute rheumatism. The ter- 
mination or tendency is to produce valvular disease of struc- 
ture, dropsy and death. 

Treatment — We must control the circulation, and to 
this end would give four to eight drops tinct. veratrum ver- 
ides every three hours ; at same time give — 

R. Bromide potass 2 oz. 

Bromide ammonia , 1 oz. 

Aqua pura 1 pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful three times a day before meals, 
give in sweetened water. 

After using this for a week or ten days give the com- 
pound syrup of frostwort, with iodide potass. Paint the 
region of the heart with compound tincture iodine. Keep 
the mind cheerful, the patient at rest, and you will have 
accomplished all that is possible in a case of Endocarditis. 

ENTROPIUM. 

This is an inversion of the eye-lids, and is caused by con- 
traction of the margin. It is usually a result of conjunct- 
ivitis, or inflammation- of the eye. If it exists for any 
length of time it causes considerable trouble, from the irri- 
tation of the edges rubbing against the eye-ball. 

Treatment. — Sometimes there is great relaxation of the 
lid ; then we must gently bring it to its natural position, 
and apply a coating of collodion on the lid, or we may 
attach a piece of adhesive plaster to the lid, draw it down, 
and fasten on the cheek ; should this not succeed a solu- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 141 

tion of tannic acid applied over the lid, as directed for the 
collodion, is best. At the same time remove any local in- 
flammation by the application of remedies mentioned under 
the head of Conjunctivitis. 

ENTERITIS. 

This is an inflammation of the small intestines, and varies 
in its intensity. With active treatment resolution is soon 
effected. We are at a loss to determine in enteritis just 
where the inflammation is located, it may extend to all the 
coats of the bowels, or to only one. There is no mark, no 
manifest symptoms that enable us to say whether the duo- 
denum jejunum, or illium are affected. 

Symptoms. — These closely resemble those of peritonitis. 
We have rigors, hot skin, increased temperature, small, 
wiry pulse, almost imperceptible, or hard and frequent, 
features pinched, great pain about the navel, aggravated 
by pressure or motion, anxiety, restlessness, dry skin, ob- 
stinate constipation, nausea, vomiting, delirium, and the 
patient lies in a position to relax the abdominal muscles. 
In addition to this, we have various other symptoms of 
inflammation. 

Treatment. — This should be directed to equalize the 
circulation, and with this end in view I would prescribe; 

R. Comp. tincture serpentaria 2 oz. 

Tincture aconite fol 1 dr. 

Mix. 

Dose, half a teaspoonful every two hours, to relieve pain 
we would give gelseminum, \ grain every three hours un- 
til relieved. Over the bowels we would advise the appli- 
cation of warm poultices of slippery elm, or linseed — 
change as often as cold. This is one of the best means of 
restoring the vital powers to the intestines. After the ur- 
gent symptoms have passed we would give — 

R. Tincture cinchona comp 4 oz. 

Tincture nux. vomica \ oz. 

Tincture hydrastia c 1 oz. 

Tincture sanguinaria ....J oz. 



142 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Mix. Dose, forty drops in sugar and water every four 
hours. 

As a drink give sweet milk three parts, lime water one. 
Mix. and take as freely as the thirst demands. Establish 
convalescence on a good tonic, keep the patient quiet, and 
for several days confined to bed. 

ENURESIS. 

This is incontinence, or inability to hold the urine, eith- 
er passing involuntarily, or compelling the patient to void 
it every few minutes. It is of the greatest importance to 
have a rational treatment for this trouble, as we can there- 
by prevent much trouble that would otherwise ensue if 
long neglected. For children, especially, it is often best to 
have remedial agents. 

Treatment. — Give tincture belladonna, five to twenty 
drops, according to age of the child, five drops for child 
under three years, ten for those under ten. and fifteen for 
those up to fifteen years of age. Give this three times a 
day ; and, in connection, say two hours apart, give fifteen 
to twenty drops tinct. iron. This will soon make a per- 
manent cure in children. 

For incontinence from paralysis, give — 

R. Sulphate quinia 1 ^ , q 

T y iiacn o pt. 

Iron J fa 

Extract belladonna 4 gr. 

Extract nux vomica. 8 gr. 

Make thirty pills, and give one every four hours. Give, 
half hour before each meal, one teaspoonful of the hypo- 
phosphites soda, lime, and iron. 

In incontinence from debility, we would recommend 
cold shower-bath (salt-water), with the tonic bitters. 
The following prescription is also excellent : 

R. Tinct. cinchona comp 8 oz. 

Acid phosphoric dil 2 oz. 

Syrup simplex 6 oz. 

Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 143 

In cases arising from old age, iron — the muriate tincture 
— is our main remedy. 

In all cases, we must direct our treatment to restore the 
functions, and, to this end, bitter tonics, such as mentioned 
under that head, with a strengthening plaster to the back, 
over the region of the kidneys. 

Give the salt-water baths under all circumstances, warm 
or cold, though I prefer cold. A good, nutritious diet, 
sleep on a mattress, avoid all causes of irritation, and a cure 
will be very readily effected. The urine should be voided 
regularly as the bladder fills. The practice of holding the 
urine for half a day is injurious, indeed, and should never 
be done under any circumstances. 

ECTROPION. 

This is an eversion of the eyelids — that is, a drawing 
away of the lids from the eyeballs, the conjunctivial sur- 
face turned outward, and the edge, or lashes, displaced, 
sometimes caused by a scar from a burn, or other injury to 
the lids, and sometimes as a result of paralysis. In 
ectropion, the eyeball being deprived of its natural protec- 
tion, is exposed to constant irritation, and a state of chronic 
inflammation of the conjunctivial results, weakening the 
eye, and liable to run into ulceration, and, may be, a de- 
struction of the lachrymal duct. Then the tears pass over 
the cheek. 

Treatment — In recent cases, this is simple, and con- 
sists in applying — 

R. Collodion 1 oz. 

Tannic acid 3 grs. 

Mix, and apply to the lid with a camel's hair pencil. 

This is the only effectual remedy in ectropion. We may 
use such local applications as are best calculated to subdue 
inflammation. Sometimes an operation is necessary. This, 
of course, requires some one who understands the use of 
instruments for the purpose. 



144 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

ELECTKICITY. 

A valuable remedial agency in a large class of diseases. 
Nearly all the failures, or unsatisfactory results, of elec- 
tricity, are due to its being improperly used. 

Whenever, and wherever, applied, the positive pole should 
be applied, either to the spine, or to the origin of the nerve 
to be affected. 

Electricity is a stimulant to the nervous system ; a stim- 
ulant to the most minute portion, and the most delicate 
nerve structure, and to the sheath of the nerve, promotes 
absorption, and effects it much quicker than any other 
means. 

It also possesses the power of causing contraction of 
muscular fibre, and is valuable where the contractile pow- 
er of the muscular system is lost or weakened ; good in 
progressive atrophy of muscles, and fatty degeneration. 

ENTOZO.E. 

The parasitic animals that inhabit the human body are 
very numerous, upwards of thirty forms having been dis- 
covered, and described by some writer. We shall not at- 
tempt to enumerate all of them, as we rarely meet with but 
three varieties. 

1. Ascaries, Vermicularis, or Ascarides. This is the 
most common variety — white, and thread-like, in appear- 
ance, slender, and from one quarter to one-half inches in 
length. They possess great contractile power, and, when 
touched, draw up just one-half. They are located, usually, 
in the large intestines and near the rectum, but are some- 
times found in the stomach. 

2. Limbricoids. This is the large red worm, very closely 
resembling the earth-worm. They are red, and about the 
size of a goose-quill. Yellow, transparent belly, and are 
from four to eighteen inches in length. They inhabit, by 
preference, the small intestines, but are, occasionally, found 
in the colon and rectum — sometimes discharged in masses 
— being in balls, etc. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 145 

3. Taenia, or Tape Worm. This is a long worm, formed 
of flat articulations, or joints, connected by a membranous 
border ; each link is possessed of independent vitality, and 
capable of becoming a distinct worm The armed tape 
worm is found exclusively in the human subject, and it is 
difficult to expel, as it is armed with two small fangs, 
which enable it to hold on with great tenacity to the 
mucous membrane of the intestines. It is usually expelled 
in joints, which very much resemble gourd-seed. 

Symptoms of Ascarides. — Irritation and intolerable 
itching, pricking pain, and swelling of the extremity of the 
rectum ; occasionally, they produce inflammation of the 
rectum, and discharges of blood with tenesmus. 

Symptoms of Limbricoids. — Pricking and intolerable 
pain in the region of the naval ; colic, rumbling noise in the 
abdomen, occasioned by the worms irritating the mucous 
membrane with the sharp, cutting part of its head. 

Symptoms of Taenia. — A feeling of something alive in 
the bowels, sense of weight, biting in the stomach, abdo- 
men swollen, subsides at intervals, livid complexion, ver- 
tigo, dilated pupils, voracious appetite, vomiting, convul- 
sive twitching of the whole body, small portions of the 
worm — gourd seed-like — pass with the foeces. 

The general symptoms of all cases of worms, are varia- 
ble, but the following are nearly always present : Appe- 
tite capricious, belching, pain in the stomach, gnashing of 
teeth, fetid breath, picking at the nose, hardness of the 
abdomen, griping pains about the naval, short dry cough, 
general emaciation, heat and itching under the arms, ir- 
regular pulse and, convulsions. 

Treatment. — No better remedial agent, adapted to all 
varieties of worms, can be administered than the oil of 
turpentine, followed by a cathartic of podophyllin. Give, 
say, ten to thirty drops of the turpentine on sugar, three 
mornings. Then give, at night, one half grain of podo- 
phyllin, with sugar of milk. If this fails, give the worm 



146 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

syrup, composed of spigelia and sena, (pink root and sena.) 
In tape-worm, give — 

R. Oil pumpkin seed 1 dr. 

Oil male fern 1 dr. 

Oil turpentine 1 dr. 

Mix. Dose, thirty drops three times a day, and at night, 
give a cathartic of podophyllin and santonine, equal parts. 
In removing ascarides, give enemas of table salt, podo- 
phyllin dissolved in lime, and camphor water. 

Follow up the treatment for some time, until all the 
worms are expelled ; then, follow with the bitter tonics, or 
anything that strengthens the stomach, all saccharine 
substances, sugar, candy, syrup, etc., should be strictly 
forbidden. 

EPILEPSY. 

That my readers may fully appreciate this subject, I pro- 
pose to mention the various causes that give rise to spas- 
modic action. Irritation, conveyed to the nerve centre, 
may be reflected in four different directions : 

1st. Upon a muscular nerve, causing contraction of a 
muscle, or muscles. 

2d. Upon a nerve of sensation, giving rise to neuralgia, 
or nerve ache. 

3d. Upon a vaso-motor nerve, causing contraction of 
blood vessels. 

4th. Upon a tissue nerve, producing secretions, or an 
alteration of nutrition. 

Under the first head, we may class such irritatines as the 
vomiting of pregnancy, convulsions from teething, cough, 
the result of gastric irritation. 

Under the second head, we have irritation reflected on a 
nerve of sensation, as neuralgia from a a wound, after it is 
healed ; also, from stricture, carious teeth and headache, 
from irritation of the stomach, etc. 

Under the third head, we may class epilepsy — irritation 
reflected upon a a vaso-motor nerve, causing contraction of 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 147 

the blood vessel supplied by it. Also, the excitation of 
the motor nerves of a gland, in a state of activity, will cut 
off the supply of blood, and check its secretions. 

The nerve centres are merely glands, elaborating nerve 
force from the blood. The nerves being but a ramification 
of, or tributary to, carry it to its destination, any cessation of 
the nervous activity may be produced by contraction of the 
blood vessels by reflex action. From this cause arises loss 
of consciousness, paralysis, numbness, etc. Sudden con- 
traction of the arteries of the brain, by whatever irritation 
reflected, is the starting point of an epileptic fit. As a 
proof of this, we have a sudden palor of the face as the 
patient falls.T he irritation, falling upon the laryngeal, cer- 
vical, and respiratory muscles, bring them into a state of 
tonic contraction, impeding the arterialization of the blood ; 
hence arises the purple hue that succeeds the palor of the 
face, and the general convulsion throughout the frame. 
In a slight fit without convulsion, the cerebral artery alone 
feels the irritation. A less degree of contraction will give 
rise to vertigo. 

The characteristic of an epileptic fit is a sudden loss of 
consciousness and sensibility, with convulsions, lasting a 
few seconds, followed by spasms of involuntary muscles. 
This is succeeded by exhaustion. The fits are apt to occur 
at regular intervals. 

The symptoms of epilepsy are numerous and variable. 
Sometimes we have well-marked, premonitory symptoms, 
such as headache, giddiness, ringing in the ears, etc. 
Again, we have a pricking sensation, and drawing in of the 
thumbs to the palms of the hands, a sensation of fulness in 
the head. But often, in fact in many of the cases, we 
have no warning at all. A sudden, deathly palor, a shriek, 
and the patient falls, senseless, and violently convulsed. 
These convulsive movements frequently continue for some 
time, often more on one side than the other. The face and 
eyes distended, the tongue often bitten, difficult breathing, 
10 



148 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

the skin cold and clammy, and, perhaps, involuntary pas- 
sage of urine ; vomiting, breathing labored, and almost 
suspended, pulse weak and irregular. 

After the attack the patient sleeps soundly, and for a 
day or two remains languid, with headache, etc. The 
average duration is from two to five minutes, but may last 
two or three hours. It may occur at any age, but is most 
common in the young. 

Predisposing causes, hereditary taint, strumous or scrof- 
ulous diathesis, the marriage of persons who are incom- 
patible by temperament, or consanguinity. We have two 
distinct forms — ideopathic and symptomatic. 

Under the ideopathic form we class various affections of 
the brain, and defects in the nervous organization, lesion of 
the meninges, etc. 

Under the symtomatic form, we class those cases that 
arise as symptoms of some other disease, as irritation from 
indigestible matter in the stomach, worms^ or any irrita- 
tion reflected from an irritable brain. Derangement of the 
circulation, stimulation, excessive hemorrhages, suppression 
of menses, wrong modes of living, sometimes on scrofu- 
lous subjects the suppression of an eruption will produce 
it, veneral excesses, masturbation, pregnancy, fistula, etc., 
are the causes, but they all operate by a kind of reflex 
action, by which the irritation is conveyed to the medula 
oblongata, or nerve centre, and produces the symptomatic 
variety. I have not space to enter into all the train of 
symptoms, and causes, of this disease. 

1 have made the treatment of epilepsy a specialty for 
years past, and I must confess that my expectations have 
been realized in but few cases of ideopathic epilepsy, as 
this class ol cases are often incurable. 

In the sympathetic or symptomatic, I am almost univers- 
ally successful, when my treatment is persevered with. 
We must remove all exciting causes, and even then we 
must so strengthen the nerve centres, as to prevent a peri 
odical return ot them. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 149 

Treatment. — Among the many remedies in epilepsy, 
bromide of potass, has stood high with all classes of phy- 
sicians, but while it may give rest, temporary relief, there 
is no certainty about it. One of the best remedies is : 

i R. Hydrocyanate of ferri 90 gs. 

Valerianate of ammonia ....90 gs. 

Mix, and make thirty pills. Dose, one pill three times 
a day. 

Give also — 

R. Tinct. belladonna 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. cimicifuga 1 oz. 

Mix. Dose, twenty drops after each meal, and at night 
give fluid ext. scullcap, twenty drops, just before retiring. 
Keep the bowels regular with the podophyllin or eclectic 
pill. 

The above course will arrest any ordinary case of epi- 
lepsy. When it has some primary or exciting cause, that 
must be removed. Drunkenness, scrofula, wine, etc.. etc., 
sometimes cause it, as also excessive and solitary vices ; 
all of these are to be removed, and under the above course 
improvement is rapid. 

EPISTAXIS. 

Bleeding from the nose is often troublesome, and even 
alarming. It may arise from a variety of causes — blows, 
plethora, great physical exertion — and may occur as a 
symptom of various diseases, as apoplexy, heart disease, 
liver degeneration, scurvy, puerpura, etc. 

Treatment. — For the purpose of arresting the bleed- 
ing, the erect position, removing the neck tie, hold both 
arms above the head, cold cloths to the back of the neck, 
snuff powdered bay-berry up the nostrils. This will usu- 
ally stop the hemorrhage at once. If it has continued until 
the general health is effected, we would recommend tonics. 
The mineral acids, nitro muriatic, dil., twenty drops in wa- 
ter half an hour before meals, with tonic bitters half hour 



150 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

after. This will usually suffice to stop and prevent a re- 
turn of the trouble. 

EPULUS. 

Nothing is so effectual in removing excrescences from 
the gums as nitric acid. Apply to the excrescence daily, 
using a wash of bay-berry or witch-hazel after each appli- 
cation. 

ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 

Fever is looked upon by other schools of practice in a dif- 
ferent light from that of the American practice. We look 
upon it not so much in the light of an enemy to our pa- 
tient, but an evidence of nature striving to rid the system 
of some miasmatic or other poison. The extent, or inten- 
sity, of the fever, as also its type, depend upon the amount 
of poison taken up by the system, and this depends, in 
turn, upon the condition of the patient. Idiopathic fever, 
is a primary poisoning or impregnation of the blood and 
nervous system with the miasma. 

Symptomatic or surgical fever depends upon local lesion 
or injury. 

Under the term idiopathic fevers it is customary to class 
all malarial fevers, typhoid, typhus, yellow, and eruptive 
fevers. 

There are continued fevers which throw out, in addition 
to the other train of symptoms of fever, eruptions on the 
skin, varying according to intensity, etc., small-pox, meas- 
les, and scarlatina are the main fevers of this class. 

While they bear a strong resemblance to some diseases 
of the skin, yet there are unmistakable evidences of their 
being the result of, or due to the inhaling of miasma, 
which being taken up by the lungs, produces the peculiar 
type, consequently we are correct in classifying them as 
fevers. 

These fevers have a common character, a certain period 
of incubation — that is, a certain length of time from expo- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 151 

sure to, or inhaling, the poisons which give rise to the fev- 
er, before it makes its outward or visible appearance. 

As before remarked, the fever is always of an inflamma- 
tory or continued type, runs a definite course, and attended 
by an eruption which runs through a series of changes, and 
affects the individual not more than once in a life-time. 

They arise, in all cases, from a specific contagion, and can 
neither be stayed or cut short, but the symptoms can be 
mitigated, abridged and mollified, by a strict attendance to 
certain rules, and good nursing. 

Small-Pox. — Variola, a continued eruptive fever due to 
contagion or absorption of a specific poison. We have 
several grades or types varying in intensity according to 
the amount of poision absorbed, and the vital powers of 
the patient. 

Varicella, or chicken pox, this is a trifling infectious 
form, and confined mostly to children. 

Chicken pox runs through all its phases and changes in, 
from six to eight days, but may, where there is low vital- 
ity, run through the regular smallpox course. 

Symptoms. — It commences with slight fever; soon, pim- 
ples, or eruptions, make their appearance, and, on the 
second day, assume a transparent form, the vesicles being 
surrounded by slight redness ; usually comes on shoulders 
and back, extends to scalp, and lightly upon the face. 

The fourth day, we have small scabs, which soon disap- 
pear, and, throughout, we have very little constitutional 
disturbance ; but little fever. It never occurs in some 
individuals a second time, and not liable to small-pox 
afterwards, though not positively certain on this point. It 
has about five days' incubatfon. 

Treatment. — The following is all that is necessary : 

R. Tinct. aconite fol J oz. 

Fluid ext. asclepias J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops in water, every four hours ; bathe 
the whole person with alkaline bath, and, during conva- 
lescence, give the tonic bitters. 



152 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Small Pox. 

Before proceeding to consider this disease, I will remark 
it has four distinct stages : 

First, incubation — twelve days from time of contact, or 
taking in of poison, before the second, or primary stage, 
which is a continual fever for three days. Third stage — 
eruptions appearing on the eve of the fourth day, scabbing 
on the ninth, or tenth, and falling of the scabs on four- 
teenth, and, fourth stage, secondary fever. 

Symptoms. — The period of incubation is succeeded by 
the primary fever, which is ushered in by lassitude, head- 
ache, fever, persistent vomiting, pain in the back and loins, 
and calves of the legs ; stupor, mental depression, rigors, 
heat of the skin, with pulse, up to 130 ; temperature 
under the arm, 100° Fahr ; tongue covered with a brown 
fur, urine scanty, a gritty feeling of the skin. 

These symptoms last three days, and, on the fourth day, 
we have an eruption of pimples, which, within a week, in- 
flame and suppurate, and, in most cases, we have a similar 
affection of the mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and 
throat ; swelling and inflammation of the adjacent tissues. 
When the vomiting is persistent, the pain in back, loins, 
etc., are aggravated, and we have severe, nervous irrita- 
tion — these are the premonitory symptoms of a severe 
attack. 

On third day, as the earliest, we have some signs of the 
pimples on the neck and wrists ; the next day, we find 
them more prominent, and extended to the trunk and 
lower extremities. 

A gritty feel to the touch is observed about the fourth 
day. The pimples ripen with pustules, suppuration being 
completed by the ninth day, they break and form scabs, 
or crusts, and in four or five days these scabs drop off. 

From infection to appearance of fever, the patient may 
enjoy perfect health (12 days.) 

If small -pox virus is introduced under the skin, the period 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 153 

of incubation is reduced to seven days, and the case is mild ; 
this is what is termed inoculation, and is both illegal and 
contrary to the rules of medical jurisprudence. 

The severity of the disease depends upon the extent of 
the eruption, and this is an index to the amount of poison 
absorbed. 

If the pustules are few in number, they remain distinct 
and separate, but when numerous, they run together, co- 
alesce, and becoming united, lose their circular form, hence 
we have a natural division of the disease into two forms — 
distinct and confluent. As would naturally be inferred, 
distinct small-pox is comparatively mild, and attended with 
but little danger, while the confluent is a formidable disease, 
and is always attended with danger. 

The eruption on the face is usually confluent, but this 
may be, and still have no more than the distinct form on 
other parts of the person. Where there is a general co- 
alescing, we have the confluent type, in this type we have 
symptoms of malignancy and putrifaction, which make it a 
dangerous disease indeed. 

The grand point of difference between the two forms of 
disease is that while in the distinct, the symptoms are 
mild, in the confluent, they are always severe, and the 
eruption appears earlier, the eye-lids swell more, the gland 
is affected, salivation, general swelling of the whole person, 
the mucous membranes become involved, the nose, mouth, 
throat become the seat of the eruption, and the tongue, 
palate, and whole mouth covered with vesicles. At the 
same time, we may have a complication of diseases, as 
erysepilas, phlebitis, pneumonia, ulceration of the eye, 
pleurisy, suppuration of the ear, &c. Even the secondary 
fever, slight in the distinct, is extremely severe and dan- 
gerous in the confluent. It generally appears about the 
seventh day of the disease, or eighth of the eruption, and 
occasionally reaction never takes place, and death is the 
result. No contagion is so powerful, so intense and active 



154 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

as that of small pox. It is capable of infecting from the 
beginning to the end of the case, and even the clothing, or 
articles handled or kept in the room where the disease is, 
may communicate it to those with whom it comes in con- 
tact. One attack however, exhausts the susceptibility of the 
system to take on the disease, and we never have known a 
case of secondary appearance of small-pox. 

Prognosis. — It is seldom fatal to young, healthy per- 
sons, but extremely dangerous to infants, and those of a 
strumous diathesis. 

The more it partakes of a confluent variety, the greater 
the danger ; also, when the eruption is most abundant the 
danger is greater, as the eruption is an index of the blood 
poisoning. Between the seventh and eleventh day is most 
critical ; when delirium and a suppression of the secretions 
take place, the condition of the patient is most critical, 
indeed. 

Treatment. — Fever here is a natural effort to rid the 
system of the poison. Now, if we can get a treatment — a 
medicine that will aid nature, we shall have accomplished 
something. To this end I would give : 

R. Comp. tinct. serpentaria 1 oz. 

Tinct. aconite fol J oz. 

Tinct. belladonna J oz. 

Dose, fifteen drops in water every three hours. 

As a laxative the syrup rhubarb and potass, is our best. 
Keep up the vital powers by gentle stimulants ; supply the 
patient with milk punch, beef tea and milk. Watch every 
tendency to complication ; use no depleting medicines. 

Patients should be kept in a well ventilated room, with- 
out carpets, or curtains ; change the clothing daily, bathe 
with soda and water. We would give the beef tea, arrow- 
root, gruel of oat meal, ripe fruit, etc. 

The pitcher plant has acquired quite a notoriety as a 
remedy in small pox, and is well worth a trial ; give, say, 
one drachm of the fluid extract every three hours and the 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 155 

disease will be aborted, and in twenty-four to forty-eight 
hours will disappear. The cimicifuga or black cohosh 
is one among the best remedies ; give, say, twenty to 
forty drops in water, three or four times a day. Should 
diarrhoea appear, give tinct. gelseminum — thirty drops 
every two hours ; support the patient's strength with beef 
tea, soup, cream, eggs, (raw) ; alcoholic stimulants are 
good to prevent too great depression. 

To prevent pitting, smear the face with olive oil or cam- 
phor and glycerine, and cover with oiled silk. If deep ul- 
ceration takes place, we would use a dressing of black salve, 
and treat as other cases of ulcers. 

Measles. 

Rubeola — continued infectious fever, preceded by sneez- 
ing, watery eyes, dripping of the nose, complete catarrh. 
The conjunctivia schneiderin membrane is inflamed, giving 
the eyes a weak, red, swollen appearance. These symp- 
toms are accompanied with a crimson rash, and are often 
attended with, or followed by, inflammation of the mucous 
membrane of the throat and organs of respiration. 

Symptoms. — We have a period of incubation of from 
seven to fourteen days, that is, that time elapses from ex- 
posure until the prominent symptoms appear, which com- 
mence with lassitude, shivering, swelling of the eye lids, 
watery appearance of the eyes, intolerance of light, sneez- 
ing, dry cough, hoarseness, drowsiness and impediment to 
breathing ; pulse frequent, hard and rapid. 

The eruption makes its appearance at the end of the 
third day, never earlier, but often later. The eruption 
bears a strong resemblance to flea-bites — circular dots — 
which eventually unite and form spots or blotches of a 
dingy hue, slightly raised and red ; first appears on the 
forehead and face, gradually extending to the whole body ; 
it begins to fade or disappear as it commenced. It is want- 
ing in many of the distinguishing marks of scarlatina, which 
will be noticed hereafter. 



156 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Diarrhoea often sets in on the rash declining, and if not 
too severe, has a salutary influence. The fever does not 
entirely subside on • the disappearance of the eruption, 
neither is the eruption any criterion of the severity of the 
case. 

Measles are contagious from the beginning until the fe- 
ver has entirely disappeared. We sometimes have pulmo- 
nary complication. Laryngeal inflammation, severe inflam- 
mation of the bronchial tubes, etc., with inflammation of 
the kidneys, and sometimes acute consumption. 

Treatment. — Confine the patient to a warm airy apart- 
ment, enjoining perfect rest in bed, thorough hygiene, have 
the body sponged well two or three times a day with lime 
water or soda, and water warm, or you may use, if more 
convenient, warm vinegar and water, half of each. If the 
fever runs high, give — 

R Fluid ext. gelseminum..... 2 dr. 

Tinct. aconite fol 6 dr. 

Dose, 20 drops every four hours till the pulse is down. 
If this is not convenient, and the case is mild, give freely 
of a tea of the butterfly root. Give composition tea, or 
comp. tinct. of serpentaria, to keep the eruption out. 

Let the diet be light and nutritious ; milk, beef-tea, 
drinks of slippery-elm water, or mucilage gum arabic. If 
the cough is troublesome give — 

R Cimicifuga J oz. 

Prunis virg J oz. 

Paregoric 1 oz. 

Syrup simplex 2 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful every three hours. 

Establish convalescence on the bitter tonic in brandy, 
give a nutritious diet, and avoid exposure to cold, rain, etc. 

Patients recovering from measles are extremely prone to 
relapse, and the best of care should be taken for two or 
three weeks at least 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 157 

Scarlatina Anjinosa. 
In this variety all the symptoms are more violent, head- 
ache, delirium, heat of skin ; more marked prostration, 
stiffness of the neck greater ; in fact it is an aggravation of 
all the symptoms, and, in strumous or scrofulous subjects, 
it assumes a still more aggravated form, and is attended 
with an acrid discharge from the nostrils. 

Scarlatina Maligna. 

In 'this variety we have a malignant type of fever, 
typhoid form, terrible prostration, great disturbance of the 
brain or mental faculties, low, muttering delirium, sordes 
on teeth, fetid breath. 

The cervical glands (glands of the neck) are affected 
Only patients of strong vital powers ever recover from 
this variety of the disease. It usually terminates fatally 
about the third day after assuming the malignant form. 

Those who suffer from scarlet fever are very liable to 
other diseases as a sequel. They are liable to many forms 
of disease depending on impaired nervous systems, and 
imperfect elaboration of the blood, being scrofula in all its 
forms, kidney affections, dropsy, disease of the scalp, rheu- 
matism, inflammation oi the covering of the heart, va- 

jinitis, etc. 

Scarlet fever is often hard to distinguish from measles, 
by the inexperienced, but there are certain, well-marked 
symptoms in scarlet fever, that are not present in measles, 
roseola, etc. First, the eruption makes its appearance 
about the second day in scarlet fever, while it seldom ap- 
pears before the fifth day in measles. In scarlet fever, the 
eruption makes its appearance as a small rash, that soon 
runs together in patches. In measles, it appears in small, 
circular dots, like flea-bites, that cluster together. The 
rash, in measles, is not near so red as that in scarlet fever. 

In measles there is always a species of catarrh ; in fact, 
the disease is often thought to be an ordinary cold, until 
the eruption appears. 



158 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Symptoms. — Chilly sensation, or shivering, succeeded by 
fever, quick pulse, headache, nausea, or vomiting, a slight 
soreness of the throat. In about two days, or forty- eight 
hours from the first appearance of these symptoms, the 
eruption makes its appearance, first on the face and neck, 
but soon extending to the whole body and extremities. 
The eruption consists of fine, red pimples, which appear to 
run together. As soon as the eruption makes its appear- 
ance, the urgent symptoms subside, the nausea, headache, 
etc., disappear, and, with proper care, the patient is soon 
on foot. 

While I advocate plenty of air, care must be taken to 
prevent taking cold, as, in this case, you may develop a 
more malignant type of the disease. 

There are three or four varieties of scariet fever, but 
they are generally due to bad management of a simple 
case. 

Treatment. — If vomiting is troublesome, give an emetic 
of lobelia, and then give a few drops of fluid extract of 
Virginia snake root, or, instead of the extract, a tea of the 
root. 

When the eruption has made its appearance, give a tea 
of the root of butterfly weed, or pleurisy root, a teaspoon- 
ful every two hours, until a free action is established upon 
the skin. Keep the bowels open with the cathartic pills, 
the formula of which is given in the last part of this vol- 
ume. Let the diet be light but nutritious. Keep the pa- 
tient out of rain or damp. 

Should the throat be very sore, give a few drops tincture 
cayene pepper, made into a pill with bread crumbs. This 
is all that is required in mild cases. 

Where it assumes a malignant type the aid of a physi- 
cian should be sought without delay, but never allow your 
patient to be dosed with calomel, as it is extremely hazard- 
ous in this disease. 

As a preventive of scarlet fever, belladonna is our best 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 159 

remedy ; from three to four drops, administered three times 
a day, will prevent this disease from spreading, even in the 
same family ; and in the early stage of the disease, will 
generally cut it short. It is worth a trial in every case, 
and I have seldom known it to fail. 

Scarlet fever, like measles, is very contagious, and there 
is no other medicine that will prevent its spreading like 
belladonna. Give it until it affects the pupil of the eye ; 
its effects will soon disappear when the medicine is discon- 
tinued. 

The treatment laid down above will suffice for most cases 
of simple scarlet fever, but in scarlatina anginosa give 
comp. tinct. of serpentaria, fifteen drops, with one grain 
carbonate ammonia, every two hours. Bathe the whole 
body with warm alkaline baths. Keep the pulse down with 
aconite and asclepias : 

R. Tinct. aconite fol 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. asclepias 1 oz. 

Mix. Dose, twenty drops every tvt o hours. Give beef 
tea, raw eggs, with port wine, cream, etc. In malignant 
forms we proceed about the same, except diffusible stimu- 
lants — brandy and milk, or capsicum and port wine. The 
following is good : 

R. Tinct. capsicum J oz. 

Port wine J pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful every two hours. . 

If the bowels are troublesome give geran. mac. as a tea 
or fluid extract : 

R. Geranium mac 1 dr. 

Sweet milk, boiled 1 pt. 

Dose, one wine glass every hour until the bowels are 
checked. Should dropsy follow scarlet fever give the treat- 
ment laid down under that head, and establish convales- 
ence on the hypophosphite of soda, lime and iron. 



160 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Erysipelas. 

Caused by a peculiar miasmatic poison generated in the 
system from some abnormal condition — specific poison, 
and may prove endemic from over-crowding, want of ven- 
tilation and sanitary measures. Once generated, it is both 
infectious and contagious. 

The peculiar poison to whatsoever it may be due, or in 
whichever class we may place it, germinates animalculi or 
fungi; it has the power of contaminating the blood, and de- 
stroying one of the important principles of the blood, hem- 
atine, hence the absence of iron in the blood. 

After the imbibation or inoculation of the disease, there 
is a period of incubation as in other skin diseases, varying 
from three to seven days. During this time we have all the 
symptoms of absorption of poison, such as pain in the 
head, back, limbs, chilliness, rigors, sore throat, general 
constitutional disturbance of the whole system ; arrested se- 
cretions of skin and kidneys, liver, tongue, brain, nausea, 
vomiting, constipation in some cases, and diarrhoea in oth- 
ers. If it appears on the face we have more or less men- 
tal disturbance. 

Symptoms — Local development is in the form of a 
peculiar inflammation of the skin, or sub-cutaneous areola 
tissues. The redness is livid, or appears on pressure dif- 
fused, wide-spreading, hot, burning, swollen, and tingling 
pain in the afflicted part. Any part of the surface is liable 
to be attacked, but the most common seat is the face, and 
is usually termed idiopathic. If it appears as the result of 
a wound, bruise, or scratch, it is called trunitic erysipelas. 
The great danger is the tendency of the inflammation to 
extend to the brain or throat, or direct giving way of vital 
power. The two poisons, erysipelas and puerperal fever, 
seem to be identical. 

Treatment. — Begin with an active cathartic. The fol- 
lowing is good — 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 161 

R. Leptandrin 6 gr. 

Podophyllin 3 gr. 

Mix, and divide into three doses. Give one every four 
hours with cream of tartar, say, one teaspoonful stirred up 
in water. 

When this has operated give — 

R. Fluid extract serpentaria J oz. 

Tincture aconite fol | oz. 

Fluid extract asclepias , \ oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, twenty drops every three hours. 

When you have controlled the fever give — 

R. Muriate tincture iron 1 oz. 

Sulphate quini * 30 gr. 

Mix, and give forty drops three times a day. 
Confine patient to bed in a well-ventilated room, give 
light diet, milk, eggs, cream, beef essence. If there is a 
giving way of vital power give — 

R. Fluid ext. xanthox \. 

Brandy \. 

Dose, 20 drops three or four times a day. 
Locally I have found nothing superior to : 

R. Tinct. belladonna 1 oz. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Aqua camphor 1 oz. 

Mix, and keep constantly applied to the affected parts, 
or instead give : 

R. Sulphate soda 10 grs. 

Water 5 ozs. 

Keep constantly applied to the affected part. Erysipe 
las inflammation sometimes assumes a chronic form, and re- 
quires active constitutional measures to overcome it. 

I have treated many such cases with entire success, put- 
ting them on alteratives, with iron in alternation, and such 
local applications as the case demands. 



162 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

EUSTACHIAN TUBE. 

May become permanently obstructed, and by pressure of 
the air produce a thickening of the membrane of the ear, 
which may lead to incurable deafness. In this case we 
should put the patient upon an alterative course : 

R. Compound syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass 6 dr. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. Apply a spray 
of tinct. iodine diluted, and used with atomizer into the 
ear. 

FATTY DEGENERATION. 

Peculiar to old age, intemperance, inactivity, cessation of 
functions. A condition peculiar to muscular fibre from 
inactivity and disease, a process of decay and death from 
some defect in equal nutrition. 

There is really no remedy, only to abstain from saccha- 
rine or sweet articles of diet, using such as do not tend to 
make fat. 

FISTULA IN ANO. 

This trouble arises from a variety of causes. The pres- 
ence of foreign bodies in the rectum, causing inflammation, 
ulceration, and perforation. It is sometimes a symptom 
of the strumous or scrofulous diathesis, and may originate 
in a deposit of tubercular matter on a fold of the lower 
bowels, finally softening and producing ulceration, like we 
have in tubercular deposit in the lungs. We often have 
fistula in connection with tubercular consumption. We 
have several forms of fistula. Complete, when it passes 
from the inside of the bowels and opens externally, per- 
mitting the passage of fcecal discharge through the open- 
ing. Blind, when the mucous membrane of the bowels 
closes after having been perforated, or ulcerated. 

The external opening, often small and difficult to find, 
generally near the anus, but sometimes one or two inches 
distant. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 163 

Complete fistula is most annoying on account of the 
wind, and the contents of the intestines passing along its 
tracks, causing irritation, painful, spasmodic contraction of 
the muscles. There is an utter incapability of the fistula 
to heal of itself or disappear, when once formed. The in- 
ternal surface is lined with a false membrane, capable of 
secreting. Thus keeping up the discharge. 

Causes. — Constipation, excessive and long continued, 
by distending the rectum and permitting lumps of hard- 
ened fceces to burrow in the folds of the bowels, excite in- 
flammation, ulceration, and lead to perforation. 

Treatment. — Among the old school practitioners we 
have none, I believe, who admit the possibility of a cure 
without the knife ; happily for those who are afflicted with 
fistula the American Practice offers a more rational, safe, 
and effective treatment. We should never attempt to cure 
fistula, until the general system is prepared for it. First, 
then, we would improve the general health by r. good 
alterative and tonic course. 

R. Tinct. cinchona comp... . 8 oz. 



Acid phosphic. dil 



2 oz. 



Syrup simplex , o 

Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful before each mei , 
R. Tinct. nux vomica j oz. 



Tinct sanguinaria i 

Fluid ext. alnus i 

- 2 



oz. 
oz. 



Mix. Dose, 20 drops in water after each meal. Inject 
up the rectum three times a day. 

R. Permanganate potass ..32 grs. 

Aqua pura 16 oz 

Dissolve, and use two ounces at a time. 

Having carried out this treatment for almonth or two, 
we would proceed to destroy the membrane, and heal the 
sinuses or fistula. 

The destruction of the membrane is absolutely neces- 
sary before anything else can be accomplished, as the 
fistula can never adhere or heal until this is done. For 



164 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

this purpose get a small syringe, the smallest you can 
obtain, and inject. 

R. Zinci chloride 40 grs. 

Rose water 10 oz. 

Inject half an ounce three times a day up the fistulous 
opening. In a few days inflammation will set in, and we 
shall soon have the false membrane destroyed and the fis- 
tula healed. Keep the bowels soluble so as to prevent 
straining and too much pressure on the new formed parts 
until fully healed. 

This treatment will be found all that is required in ordi- 
nary cases ; those of long standing, or complicated nature, 
will require professional advice. Never use the knife un- 
der any circumstances. 

FRACTURE. 

Simple fracture is where the bone is broken and no wound 
of muscles or flesh. Compound, where the bone is broken, 
the soft parts wounded and, in some cases, bone protruding. 
In the treatment of fractures the American practice has creat- 
ed a revloution. We must reduce the broken bone by exten- 
sion and counter-extension, bringing the parts in contact, 
then keep them in proper position by appropriate splints, 
enjoining perfect rest. When the vital powers are at a 
healthy standard, the parts will be partially united in three 
weeks, and in six weeks the functions and use of limb 
may be resumed. This will be hastened by applying a 
lotion of — 

R. Tinct. arnica 4 oz. 

Camphor water 4 oz. 

Keep constantly applied for a week. This will be all 
the local application that is needed in simple fracture, save 
the splints and bandage (or roller). 

We may reduce a compound fracture to a simple one by 
perfect reduction of broken parts, perfect rest, and good 
nourishment, which is essential in every case. Apply in 
place of arnica lotion: 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 165 

R. Carbolic acid 1 dr. 

Pure olive oil • 4 dr. 

Saturate lint, and apply to the wound. 
With this, and keeping the pulse at 75 to 80, we will 
have union by first intention, and accomplish in three to 
four weeks what formerly required from six to eight weeks. 
and often three months. Light, nutritious diet and perfect 
rest, are essential to a rapid union and speedy cure. 

FUNCTIONAL NERVE DISEASE. 

Our great aim in treating disease should always be to 
assist the natural effort, or diminish the intensity and the 
natural reflex excitability of the centres. 

Suppression of causes, of periphereal irritation. Under 
this head we may class the local application of narcotics, 
the application of ice, and the thorough destruction of a 
wound of a poisonous nature by caustic, potass, or actual 
cautery. We may be justified in resorting to caustic in poi- 
sonous wounds, the removal of decayed teeth in neuralgia, 
removal of tumors pressing upon certain nerves, in fact, 
anything which keeps up irritation, or causes irritability, as 
in epilepsy, tetanus, hysteria, and hydrophobia. 

Treatment. — Our best remedies to diminish reflex ac- 
tion — belladonna, pulsatilla, scutillaria and bromide of 
potass — 

R. Tincture belladonna J oz. 

Tincture pulsatilla , J oz. 

Fluid extract scutillaria J oz. 

Mix. 

Dose, thirty drops in one-fourth wine glass of water, 
three times a day. 

R. Bromide potass 1 oz. 

Bromide ammonia 1 oz. 

Aqua pura 16 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful in sweetened water before each 
meal. At night give — 



166 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

R. Tincture calabar bean \ oz. 

Aqua 8 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful at bedtime. 

In hydrophobia and lock-jaw we would use electricity, 
applying the positive pole to the spine, and negative over 
the pit of the stomach. Sleep is an important considera- 
tion when the nerve centres are highly excited, and in 
these cases we shall find nothing better than the course 
indicated above. 

GALACTORRHEA. 

This is a swelling of glands seldom met with, attend- 
ed with irritating discharge, best treated by the following 
ointment : 

R. Ointment of belladonna 1 oz. 

Iodide potass 3 dr. 

Muriate of ammonia 2 dr. 

Soft extract phytolacea .... 1 dr. 

Mix, and spread on leather. Apply to the glands and 
use compression — with roller or bandage. 

ga:ll stones. 

Solid concretions of bile, usually found in gall bladder, 
very rarely in substance of liver, and branches of hepatic 
ducts. 

Globular or oval or pear-shaped when found in gall blad- 
der ; irregular in shape, rough and rugged, of dark color 
when found in hepatic ducts ; gritty and sand-like if found 
in the excretory passage of liver. They are very light in 
proportion to their size — newly passed they sink in water, 
but after a few hours, and when dry, they float. 

Symptoms. — Gall stones obstructing the gall duct, give 
rise to the most excruciating pain, coming on in parox- 
ysms, and a dull, uneasy sensation in liver. In the inter- 
val we have bilious vomiting, and the pain becomes so in- 
tense that the patient bends himself double, pressing the 
hand firmly against the pit of the stomach, pain increasing 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 167 

in intensity until the stone escapes into the duodenum, and 
then it stops as sudden as [it made its appearance. If the 
passage is slow the patient may suffer from prostration, and 
have periodic rigors. These calculi, may exist without 
producing any morbid change ; may set up a degree of in- 
flammation, with pain about the pit of the stomach, pain 
in right shoulder and hip, with loss of appetite, indigestion 
and constipation ; the latter is always troublesome in these 
formations. 

These stones when they enter the ducts, always give rise 
to biliary colic, great pain and tenderness under the shoul- 
der, and the right side. 

Treatment — In treating these symptoms we must re- 
lieve the pain ; to this end, I have found nothing so good 
as — 

R. Gelseminum 1 gr. 

Sugarofmilk 2 gr. 

Give every two hours until relieved, one or two doses is 
usually sufficient. Another good form is — 

R. Gelseminum 1 gr. 

Olive oil .. 4 oz. 

Give at a dose. This will relax and dilate the duct, and 
enable the stones to pass more rapidly, the oil also has the 
effect to dissolve the stone. If very persistent we would 
repeat the prescription every three hours, as the gelsemi- 
num does not show its constitutional effects on patients of 
this class. In the interval we would give — 

R. Podophyllin ..'. 1 gr. 

Olive oil -A oz. 

Give every second night, using alkaline drinks, and baths 
during the day. Sulphate of soda, say — 

R. Sulphate of soda 20 gr. 

with olive oil. Give — 

R. Fluid extract nux vomica J oz. 

Fluid extract leptandrin virg J oz. 

Dose, fifteen drops three times a day in water. Use 



168 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

vegetable diet, roast or boiled meat, avoiding all fat ; exer- 
cise is advisable and necessary, as it aids the passage of 
bile through the natural channels. 

GASTRATGIA. 

This is a common symptom of dyspepsia, and is a par- 
tial inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach; 
when bad it gives rise to severe pain in the stomach, soon 
after meals. 

To relieve this the following will be found effectual : 

R. Sub-nitrate of bismuth 3 scr. 

Extract nux vomica 10 gr. 

Sulphate hydrastis 2 scr. 

Make twenty pills, and give one every three hours. 
Give the following half an hour before meals : 

R. Nitro muriatic acid dil 1 oz. 

Comp. tincture cinchona 7 oz. 

Give a teaspoonful in a wine-glass of water. Let the 
diet be light and nutritious. 

GASTRITIS. 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, 
requently the result of the introduction of irritating sub- 
stances into the stomach, such as poison, caustic alkalies, 
arsenic, emetics and other irritants : readily recognized by 
burning, pricking, lancinating pain in stomach, nausea and 
vomiting, extreme soreness with pain on pressure, tender- 
ness, constant desire for cold drinks, which are instantly 
vomited up. The tongue is generally red at tip and edges, 
covered in centre with white or yellowish fur. 

Patient lies with limbs drawn up, as in this position the 
muscles of the abdomen are relaxed. We have great de- 
pression, prostration, constipation, and scanty, high colored 
urine ; pulse small and wiry, intolerance of food or warm 
drinks. 

Acute gastritis often proves fatal from exhaustion, con- 
sequent upon want of nutrition, etc. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 169 

Treatment. — The intense thirst is one of the most per- 
sistent symptoms, to allay this, keep a piece of ice in the 
mouth, and give one drop of tinct. veratrum veride every 
hour, or the following: 

R. Tincture veratrum veride . \ a a 

Tinct. gelseminum sup J J oz. 

Dose, two drops every hour, in the smallest possible 
quantity of water ; gum arabic, or slippery elm water, is 
best. Give an injection of cold beef tea three times a day. 
Apply a hot, moist, flax-seed poultice over the stomach, 
renewing at regular intervals. Sponge, with soda dissolved 
in water, every three hours. Rub well in over the stomach: 

R. Sulphate morphia 10 grs. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Continue this treatment until the irritation or inflamma- 
tion is controlled ; then establish convalescence on white 
of egg and milk, arrow root, etc. When the vomiting is 
persistent give, say, J gr. sub. nitrate of bismuth. If there 
is delirium, or other urgent symptoms of nervous irritation, 
give belladonna and Pulsatilla, equal parts of tincture of 
each, and give in 10 drop doses, in a tablespoonful of slip- 
pery elm tea. 

Chronic gastritis is often a mild type and may terminate 
in thickening of the coat of the stomach, or in ulceration. 

The symptoms of chronic gastritis are nearly the same as 
that of dyspepsia. We have tenderness at the pit of the 
stomach and in breast bone, pain and sickness after meals, 
general disturbance of the alimentary canal. Catarrh of 
the stomach is often a sequel of inflammation, and is indi- 
cated by indigestion, furred tongue, oppression at stomach, 
vomiting, giddiness and headache, cough. There is a 
species of gastric catarrh, in connection with whooping 
cough, in some cases, and with bronchitis, phthisis, and pul- 
monary emphysema, it is attended with excessive secretions 
and discharge of glarry mucus. In all these complications, 
we find more or less difficulty from the extreme irritable 



170 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

condition of the stomach, preventing the free action of the 
medicine. 

Treatment. — We must give : 

R. Fluid ext. nux vomica J oz. 

Fluid ext. dioscorea J oz. 

Fluid ext. cinchona J oz. 

Dose, 25 drops in water, half hour after each meal. 
Give before meals J gr. bismuth. 

Inflammation of stomach, also, may lead to ulceration, 
and its train of evils. 

Ulceration of stomach is usually seated at the posterior 
surface, or lesser curvation, or pyloric pouch, generally 
round or oval shaped. A fatal termination may result from 
hemorrhage, perforation, or exhaustion. 

Symptoms of Gastric Ulcer. — These are well marked, 
constant pain in pit of stomach, pain in the back, these 
pains are increased by food or exercise. We have sour 
eructation, nausea, vomiting, emaciation, pulsation, if a 
female, absence of menstruation. 

If the ulcer heals, pain diminishes, and a complete re- 
covery takes place. 

Perforation often results, then the pain spreads all over 
the abdomen, with great anxiety, prostration, and death. 

Treatment. — Give the patient perfect rest, give relief 
from pain by granules of India hemp. Nourish the patient 
by enemas of beef tea, or essence, and give one grain of 
permanganate of potass, in a glass of distilled water, three 
times a day, and in the interval say, 2 hours from the per- 
manganate, give 1 gr. bromide ammonia in water. After 
using these one week, give bismuth J grain every three 
hours, alternating with fluid ext. myrica, 1 drop three times 

a day. 

GLANDERS. 

This disease is well known in the horse, and sometimes 

hostlers or even those who drive or ride a horse with the 

disease, may contract it from the matter coming in contact 

with some scratch or abrasion of the skin. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 171 

Symptoms. — Extreme lassitude, depression, debility, 
pain in head, back, calves of legs, dry, brown tongue, ar- 
rest of all the secretions. We sometimes have high degree 
of inflammation, and ulceration of the mucous membrane 
of the nose, and the whole glandular system becomes in- 
volved. 

Treatment. — Apply the following to the wound imme- 
diately, or as soon as you have reason to expect contagion : 

R. Carbolic acid 10 grs. 

Glycerine J dr. 

And give internally : 

R. Sulphite soda 3 gr. 

Water 1 teaspoonful. 

Give every three hours. Apply a strong solution over 
the affected limb. Keep up an action on the skin with 
the comp. tinct. serpentaria, but depend on sulphite of so 
da. It is the best and only reliable remedy known to the 
profession. 

If the nostrils are affected before you see the patient, 
inject them with — 

R. Carbolic acid J oz. 

Glycerine * 10 oz. 

and use the same to any ulcer or abscess that may have 
formed. Diet light, and the most nutritious that we can 

find. 

GOUT. 

Dependent upon an increase of lithic acid in the blood, 
this uniting with the lithic acid produce a combination 
known as lithate of soda ; this exudes into the cellular 
tissues, and constitutes a foreign deposit. It is often de- 
pendent upon some hereditary taint, may also be due to 
high living, want of exercise, use of acid, or agents that 
undergo acetous fermentation, as wines and alcoholic li- 
quors ; excesses, irregularities, etc., are among the excit- 
ing causes. In all cases the defect is due to mal-assimila- 
tion of the food, so we have gastric, or intestinal degener 



172 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

ation, furred tongue, sour or bitter eructation are always 
present. This lithate of soda is often on the smaller joints, 
as the ball of the great toe, and, when neglected, the parts 
become swollen and very sensitive. 

The parts around become swollen and numb or pricking, 
and the pain is always increased at night. This usually 
subsides in from seven to ten days, and leaves the patient 
with a debilitated and swollen limb. 

Treatment. — One of the most important considerations 
is the regulation of the diet. It should be light; all alco- 
holic stimulants must be prohibited : 

R. Wine of colchicum 1 oz. 

Sulphate of quinae 20 grs. 

Dose, half a teaspoonful three or four times a day. 

Alternate with phosphate of ammonia dissolved in water 
This treatment will soon cure the worst case of gout, with 
avoidance of all the local irritants in the way of ales, wines, 
etc. Live on a light nutritious diet. Salt water bathing 
is good, and should be applied two or three times a week ; 
exercise in moderation, and you will find prompt relief. 

HEAMATAMESIS. 

Hemorrhage from the stomach is common because the 
stomach is lined with a membrane that furnishes large 
secretions, is very vascular, and bleeds from the slightest 
congestion. 

Congestion may occur from a variety of causes, intem- 
perance, suppression of accustomed discharges, menses, 
engorgement of liver, spleen, or pancreas, organic disease 
of heart, or liver, cancerous ulceration, injuries, and change 
in the blood. The blood vomited may be considerable ; 
blood not frothy, of a dark color, and mixed with food. 
It must be treated according to its cause Give perfect 
rest. 

Treatment. — Apply cold over the stomach, abstain from 
eating. The special remedies according to the case. If 
from suppression of menses, give ergot and cotton root, or 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 173 

ergot and cimicifuga, equal parts of the fluid extract, and 
give 40 drops three or four times a day. This may be de- 
termined by its appearing monthly, and absence of the 
monthly period, and absence of organic disease. 

HEMATURIA. 

Hemorrhage from the mucous membrane of the urinary 
organs, kidneys, bladder, ard urethra is generally caused 
by the passage of calculi, morbid blood poisoning, or lo- 
cal diseases of the urethra or bladder. 

Symptoms — The urine is generally smoky or of a black 
hue, port-wine color, albumen or matter mixed with it. 

If the hemorrhage comes from the kidneys or ureters, we 
have great pain, more than in any other varieties, pain 
through the lumbar region. The blood also is mixed with 
the urine, giving it a uniformly red appearance. Where 
the hemorrhage is from the bladder it usually comes away 
in clots, or floculi, and floats on the urine, accompanied 
with pain, a sense of fulness, and tenderness in the pubic 
region, with burning around the neck of the bladder, etc. 

When from the urethra we have none of the before 
mentioned symptoms, the blood is passed without any 
mixture of urine, and without effort. Sometimes appears 
periodically, is more liable to attack the aged, and those 
of a gouty diathesis, plethoric and corpulent women about 
the final change of life ; sometimes occurs in young children 
during dentition. 

Causes. — The cause of haematuria, in addition to those 
mentioned, may be acrid stimulating diuretics as cantha- 
rides, oil of turpentine, scirrhous ulceration, vascular and 
fleshy tumors in the ureters, kidneys, etc. 

Prognosis. — Haematuria is usually easily controlled, and 
is only alarming when occurring, or in connection, with le- 
ver, etc. 

When it arises ftom periodical sources it is not at all 
dangerous, but liable to return. 

Treatment. — When haematuria arises from malignant 



174 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

diseases, or stone, the best mode of treatment consists of 
rest in the recumbent position, cold applications to the 
loins and internally, gallic acid, or remedies that contain 
that agent. This acid may pass through the digestive or- 
gans and reach the kidneys unchanged, acting as an as- 
tringent upon mucous membranes or surfaces. 

The following will be found excellent : 

R. Fluid ext. gelseminum J oz. 

Tr. aconite fol J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops every three hours. When we desire 
to arrest the hemorrhage at once, give : oil erigeron, twen- 
ty drops on white sugar, or tinct. of iron may be given in 
doses of thirty drops every three hours. Carbolic acid 
sometimes acts well, but for general use the gelseminum 
and aconite with oil of erigeron, will relieve immediately. 

HEMOPTYSIS. 

Usually, a symptom of phthisis, and often appears sud- 
denly, without any premonitory symptoms of the disease. 
In some cases the matter discharged from the throat is 
more or less tinged with blood, and when it occurs from 
the softening of a tubercle over a large vessel, there may 
be violent hemorrhage, symptomatic in organic disease of 
the heart, and may appear at regular intervals. 

When it depends upon softening tubercular deposits, 
etc. , the blood is coughed up in mouthfuls ; is light red in 
color, frothy and mixed with phlegm. Premonitory symp- 
toms : We may have feeling of lassitude, pain under the 
breast-bone, stricture across the breast, etc. 

Treatment. — Rest in recumbent position, avoid mental 
and physical excitement. 

We shall find lycopin or gallic acid is good here, but 
above all remedial agents for relieving hemorrhage, no 
matter where it arises, none equals oil erigeron. No one 
should fail to have a vial in the house. It has the advant- 
age over all others, from the fact that it has no tendency to 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 175 

constipation. For an emergency, common table salt will 
stop the bleeding from the lungs. 

HEMORRHAGE. 

An escape of blood from any vessel in which it is, 
according to natural laws, contained, constitutes a hemor- 
rhage. 

We have various forms of hemorrhage. The two most 
plain divisions are traumatic and spontaneous. Traumatic 
hemorrhage is the result of direct injuries; where the ves- 
sel has been divided, our only safe remedy or means of 
treating it is by ligature (tying), or acupressure, tortion, or 
styptic. Ligature and acupressure, are the only remedies 
advisable in vessels of the greatest size, first and second 
order. 

Tortion, or twisting, in vessels of ordinary capacity. Some 
styptics will also avert bleeding in this class. 

Arterial hemorrhage may be readily distinguished by 
its appearing in jets, and being of a vermilion color. The 
jets appear as the heart pulsates, and no styptics will reach 
them, unless the artery is very small. 

Spontaneous, or passive, hemorrhage depends upon causes 
dependent upon some constitutional defect, and is best 
controlled by styptics, iron, nitro-muriatic acid ; but for this 
class of hemorrhage I am as partial to carbolic acid as I 
am to erigeron, in other cases. Give, say, two to five drops 
of Calvert's solution, and repeat as often as necessary to 
stop the flow. 

General Remarks. — Hemorrhages are sometimes sud- 
den, severe and alarming, and a simple remedy, always at 
hand, is very desirable ; consequently, every family should 
have some known and reliable remedy at hand. An invest- 
ment of a few cents in this direction will save anxiety, and 
often save life. In many cases of profuse bleeding the 
application of cold water will arrest the blood, and, if an 
artery is severed or wounded, exhausting hemorrhage may 
be prevented by applying a handkerchief between the 



176 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

heart and wound, and twisting until the flow is arrested, 
and you can summon assistance. Bleeding from the nose 
is, sometimes, really exhausting. A very simple means of 
stopping this is by introducing a fine sponge up the nostrils, 
allowing it to remain, say, half an hour. 

HEMORRHOIDS. 

Piles are met with in two different forms. Blind piles, 
where there is a well defined tumor, without bleeding. 
Piles, where the tumor may not be large, yet bleeding 
profusely. 

Both forms, in their primary condition, are due to a vari- 
cose condition of the veins of the rectum, weakness and 
debility of the sphincter of the rectum, in connection with 
a species of congestion, which involves the whole digestive 
tract. Varicose condition may bring about this weak, or 
impaired condition of the muscles and vascular structure, 
surrounding the veins, subsequent relaxation and varicose 
condition of the vessels. Habitual constipation is one of 
the most common, exciting causes of hemorrhoids. Cough, 
intestinal irritation, hypocondria, neuralgia, dyspepsia, etc., 
are premonitory symptoms of hemorrhoids, and are directly 
traceable to constipation. 

Drastic purgatives, horseback riding, protracted diarrhoea, 
continual sitting in one posture, worms, etc., all tend to 
produce congestion and hemorrhoidal tumors. 

External tumors are troublesome, mainly from their 
bulk, but should they become inflamed or congested, we 
have backache, uterine irritation, and they have been 
known to produce lockjaw. 

Internal tumors, or piles, are more troublesome, as they 
interfere with the passage of fcecal matter, and, sometimes, 
attain a very large, spongy, vascular growth. 

We sometimes meet with them in the form of a pendu- 
lous tumor, like unto polypus in other parts. 

The internal tumor invariably causes trouble, protruding 
during the action on the bowels, pressing upon the nerves, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 177 

and producing a sort of paralysis of that muscle, and, then, 
we have the tumor, all the time protruding, except when 
the patient is lying on the back. 

The loss of blood is, often, considerable, and great unea- 
siness is felt about the rectum tenesmus, irritation of the 
bladder, and of the womb in women ; discharge of a 
bloody matter and derangement of all the functions. 

Treatment. — We must get rid of the constipation. 
Dieting, here, will often work better than medicine ; ripe, 
wholesome fruit, and the habitual use of cold water, as 
directed under the head of constipation. 

For the hemorrhoidal tumor, or piles, nothing tends 
more to allay inflammation and irritation than cold water, 
locally, as an injection, and as a bath to the rectum. 

The medical treatment will consist in giving the follow- 
ing combination : 

R. Tinct. nux vomica J oz. 

Tinct. juglandin J oz. 

Tinct. leptandrin \ oz. 

Tinct. podophyllin \ oz. 

Dose, twenty drops before each meal and at bed time ; 
give, also, thirty drops of diluted nitro-muriatic acid half 
hour after meals. When the bleeding has been so exten- 
sive and long continued, we would advise the hypophosphites 
with cinchona, as a general tonic. Locally inject the fol- 
lowing ; 

R. Fluid ext. hamamelis J oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Inject half night and morning, and use an ointment 
made as follows : 

R. Iodoform 20 gr. 

Lard 1 oz. 

Mix, and apply twice daily. 

Never have piles operated upon. If an operation be- 
comes necessary,there is nothing acts so well as the chromic 
acid, applied properly. The author has treated many 



178 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

cases in this way, and never failed to cure. It requires 
a knowledge of the parts, and a skillful application. 

The treatment above laid down, will arrest most cases at 
once, dispensing, with all further attention ; only confirmed 
cases of long standing, require an operation. 
HEADACHE. 
The symptoms depend upon various causes, and is con- 
nected with deficient morbid condition. We have organic 
headache from disease of the brain. Headache depending 
upon a congested condition of the cerebral veins is termed 
plethoric ; bilious headache, dependent on deranged, or 
imperfect action of the liver or stomach ; nervous headache, 
due to debility, or other causes. To sum up the condi- 
tion present, and which leads to headache, we may state 
that fatigue, over-exertion, mental or physical excitement, 
all these tend to produce a species of congestion, and weak 
or debilitated condition of the vessels of the brain, and this 
tends to headache. 

Organic Headache. 
Always due to some disease of the brain or membranes. 
Continued pain in the head, vertigo, vomiting, confusion of 
mind, noise in the head. The pain is continuous, sharp at 
times, at others, dull and lancinating, more severe in back 
part of the head, though apparently deep in. 

When due to inflammation, the pain is intense, and is 
caused by noise, heat and motion. 

Plethoric Headache. 
Essentially a congestion of the brain or its membranes. 
Sanguine temperament, constipation, sedentary habits, too 
much sleep, suppression of some secretion, are all predispos- 
ing causes, while stooping occupation, etc., are exciting 
causes. 

Bilious Headache. 

Common to patients of a bilious temperament; liver 
and digestive apparatus is always feeble and deranged, 
coated tongue, and offensive breath. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 179 

Nervous Headache. 

Commonly met with in patients of a nervous tempera- 
ment ; common to conditions of impovershed blood; often 
produced by the irritation of decayed teeth, malaria and 
other toxical agents ; present in all forms of exhaustion, 
nursing too much ; also as a result of excessive hemor- 
rhages, hysteria, etc. 

Treatment. — First of all, correct the secretions. Act 
upon the liver, skin, kidneys, and digestive organs ; have 
a well regulated diet ; leave off tobacco ; use shower 
baths daily, and endeavor to remove the cause. In organic 
headache we would give : 

R. Fluid ext. podophyllin 1 dr. 

Iris versi 1 dr. 

Nux vomica \ dr. 

Buchu 2 oz. 

Serpentaria 1 oz. 

Dose, mix, and give half a teaspoonful in a wine glass 
full of sweetened water, three times a day before meals. 

R. Tinct. aconite fol 1 oz. 

Tinct. gelseminum 1 oz. 

Dose, 35 to 40 drops, half an hour after each meai, and 
at bed time. 

In headache depending upon rheumatic tendency, would 
give the podophyllin mixture, and, after meals, give 40 
drops of fluid ext. cimicifuga in place of the aconite. 

In headache, the result of catarrh, give the first, and 
follow after meals with : 

R. Tinct. belladonna J oz. 

Fluid ext. asclepias \ oz. 

Dose, 20 to 40 drops in water. In bilious headache 
give the podophyllin, and give, half hour after meals, 20 
drops fluid ext. diascorea. 

In headache, the result of habitual constipation, we 
would give : 
12 



180 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

R. Fluid ext. nux vomica } oz. 

Iris versicola ^ oz. 

Diascorea 1 oz. 

Dose, 30 drops after each meal. When due to chills 
and fever, nothing acts so well as gelseminum. 

R. Fluid ext. gelseminum 10 drops, 

two to five hours apart, till relieved. 

HEPATIC DISEASE. 

There is no organ of the human body that gets credit 
for so much mischief as the liver. Nine-tenths of the phy- 
sicians who practice, if they meet with a long train of symp- 
toms, attribute them to the liver, and the liver «s dosed 
with blue pills, etc., thus adding fuel to the fire. 

The liver is the largest and most important gland in the 
body, and its healthy action is necessary to a healthy condi- 
tion of the system. In order to the maintenance of health, 
it is necessary for the lungs, the liver, and the kidneys, to 
perfect their functions. If the liver is too much taxed, 
we have morbid changes of stomach and intestines as the 
result. 

In malarial districts, when the vital powers run low, we 
have a tendency for the liver to become engorged. 

Hepatitis. — Inflammation of the liver may arise from 
various causes, and may be acute or chronic. 

Symptoms. — Pain in the right side, shooting into the 
back and shoulders, increased on pressure, difficulty of 
laying on left side, may be jaundice, with cough and short- 
ness of breath. It may terminate either in abscess, indu- 
ration, or resolution — the latter is the most common ter- 
mination. The causes are those of inflammation in general, 
heat, malarial poisoning, predispose to it, hence its fre- 
quency in the southern climate. Immoderate use of alco- 
holic liquors is a common cause. 

Treatment. — This must be energetic. Control febrile 
symptoms. For this purpose we have nothing better than 
the following: 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 181 

R. Tr. aconite fol ~| 

Tr. veratrum viride Vaa Joz. 

Fluid ext. asclepias , J 

Dose, fifteen drops every three hours, giving in the inter- 
val six drops of nitro-muriatic acid in water. Sponge the 
patient often in warm water in which common soda has 
been dissolved, sufficient to make the water alkaline. As 
a counter irritant apply the following over the region of 
the liver: 

R. Podophyllin 10 gr. 

Alcohol 1 oz. 

Dissolve the resinoid of podophyllin in the alcohol, and 
paint over the surface with a camei's hair pencil. Chronic 
inflammation of v he liver is often a sequel to the acute, and 
may be known from the existence of the above symptoms 
in a modified degree, enlargement in size of liver, and con- 
stant, dull pain under the shoulder, sallow complexion, 
high colored urine, and clay colored stools. 

The great object in treatment is to get up a healthy 
action, by the exhibition of appropriate remedies. 

For this purpose give : 

R. Xitro-iruriatic acid. .. 1 oz. 

Pure water 4 oz. 

Dose, twenty to thirty drops, three times a day. in 
water. Also give : 

R. Fluid ext. leptandrin 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. podophyllin 1 oz. 

Nux vomica J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops in water, half hour after meals. In 
ail cases, where it is associated with constipation and dys- 
pepsia, we shah make an entire success on the above line 
of treatment. The first and second combination can not 
be equalled by ail the calomel in the world. 

HYPERTROPHY OF THE LIVER. 
Premonitory symptoms are weight and pain in the 



182 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

right side, sharp, lancenating pain in the abdomen, obsti- 
nate constipation, .urine scanty and high colored, with 
brick-dust sediment. The urine is sometimes clear as 
spring water for first twelve hours, changing almost sud- 
denly. We have loss of appetite, despondency, desire for 
death, and suicide is sometimes the result of this disease. 

On pressing over the right side, we shall find a full, 
hard feeling under the touch. Three well-defined, hard 
lumps may be felt just under the false ribs, in the right 
side; pressure on those lumps causes sharp pain and diffi 
culty of breathing. 

Treatment. — I am induced to believe there is no vege- 
table remedy half so good as the chionanthus vir., or fringe 
tree of the South, for all liver derangements. The fluid 
extract, in doses of fifteen to twenty drops, three times a 
day, with the Eclectic pill, at night ; but, among the most 
positive remedies for hypertrophied (enlarged) liver, none 
can compare with the chloride of gold. Pills of one-sixtieth 
to one-twentieth grains, administered three times daily, 
have a happy effect. 

FATTY DEGENERATION OF LIVER. 

We often meet with a superabundance of fat in the liver. 
It is found in the form of oil globules, in the cells of the 
affected organ. 

In fatty degeneration both the number and size of the 
globules are greatly increased. One-half of the outer liver 
is composed of them; in many cases the organ is much 
larger than natural. When the quantity of oil is less, we 
have what is termed the nutmeg appearance. 

The distension of the abdomen is a source of inconven- 
ence, but the functions of the liver may not be much de- 
ranged. 

The disease advancing, the fatty matter increases, and a 
secretion, once designed to become a part of the bile, and 
thus aid in the performance of the natural functions, now 
becomes a poison, obstructing the process of secretion. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 183 

Diagnosis. — Easy enough to determine the existence of 
fatty degeneration. When there is swelling or enlarge- 
ment of the region where the liver lies, in a person of a 
lymphatic temperament, we may rest assured of the exist" 
ence of the disease. As it advances the nature will become 
more apparent and prominent. 

Treatment. — In treating fatty degeneration, we must 
have a care as to diet, avoid all saccharine matter, sugar, 
starch, etc. , anything that is easily converted into fat, and 
instead substitute such articles as go to diminish the fatty 
principle, acid, vinegar, or acetic acid. Lemons, etc., are 
good, and as remedial agents, the following is about the 
best preparation we have : 

R. Huxam's tinct. cinchona 4 oz. 

Nitro-muriatic acid 2 dr. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

CANCER OF THE LIVER. 

We have in this condition, steady and regular enlarge- 
ment of the liver, often reaching below the false ribs. It 
has an irregular, knotty feeling when the hand is applied 
over the gland. I have seen the whole surface covered 
with cancerous or tubercular growth. Seldom ever meet 
with a case where the liver is swollen. The disease makes 
its appearance in middle life, and the cause is hard to de- 
termine. 

Symptoms. — Constant pain and tenderness in the region 
of the liver, with the usual cancerous complexion. 

Treatment. — This is only palliative, as not one case in 
our knowledge has ever been cured. Iodine externally, 
and also in small doses, say 15 drops comp. tinct. iodine, 
before each meal. To relieve pain, give 20 drops tinct. 
aconite fol. after each meal, with J grain cannabis indica at 
bedtime. 

The general constitutional treatment laid down under the 
head of cancer, will do good, and retard its progress. 



184 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

INFLAMMATION OF THE GALL BLADDER AND DUCTS. 

Symptoms. — Pain in the right side, fever, constipation, 
nausea, and vomiting. 

Mechanical irritation seems to be the cause of this trouble, 
causes thickening of the gall ducts, or the lining membrane 
rather. We have, in the early stages, a well-defined tumor 
on pressure to the right of the stomach. 

Treatment. — We would give the comp. syrup of frost- 
wort with iodide of potass, before each meal, following 
with : 

R. Tinct. aconite fol I oz. 

Tinct serpentaria J oz. 

Tinct. gelseminum j- oz. 

Dose, 20 drops in water after each meal, and just before 
retiring at night. 

ULCERATION OF THE GALL BLADDER. 

This may occur with, or as a sequal to, severe forms of 
intermittent fever. We may have it associated with gall 
stone. When this is the case, it is usually due to closing 
of the cystic or biliary ducts. If it is in the biliary duct, 
we have a termination in incurable jaundice. Cases are 
met with, though rare, where the gall ducts become en- 
tirely closed, the liver atrophied, and the whole process of 
secretion and excretion suspended. The continuance of 
life in this case, depends upon other organs taking the place 
of the liver and its secretions ; this is due to the kind of 
food used, and the activity of other excretory functions. 
There is no cure for it, and death is the final termination. 

JAUNDICE. 

Jaundice is a morbid yellowness of the eyes, skin, and 
other parts, and, in fact, assumes various hues — green^ 
yellow, and black jaundice. It comes from suppression 
and re absorption of the bile, occurs suddenly, or after sev_ 
eral days of depression and debilitated feeling. The white 
of the eye becomes yellow, then the root of the nails, face, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 185 

neck, and upper part of the body, then the limbs. The 
urine becomes thick, and of a deep yellow, staining clothes 
yellow, becoming green on the addition of nitric acid ; 
stools lead colored, almost white, bitter taste in the mouth, 
general depression. No one can explain the miserable 
feeling but those who have had it. 

Nearly all affections of the liver produce jaundice to 
some extent, but it is frequently due to lack of absorption, 
or carrying off the bile by the intestinal canal, thus being 
returned, it is re-absorbed or carried into the blood. Ma- 
larial poisoning, cold, damp, or hot weather may be the 
exciting causes. 

Treatment. — The grand remedy here is podophyllin, 
and you will be surprised at the large dose required. I 
have given to one case thirty-two grains before getting an 
action, but this was exreme. To cure jaundice : 

R. Podophyllin 20 gr. 

Sugar of milk „ 40 gr. 

Mix, and divide into 20 powders. Give one every three 
hours until you get free action. Then give : 

R. Nitro-muriatic acid 1 dr. 

Pure water 8 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful every three hours ; use baths of 
vinegar and water daily. 

HERPESE. 

A non-contagious skin disease, transient, and consisting 
of clusters of vesicles, under which we have inflamed patches 
of the skin, irregular in size and form. It is no more nor 
less than an inflammation of the skin, and its characteristic 
is clustered blisters upon an inflamed patch of skin. 

We have numerous varieties of herpese. In some, it is 
mere vesicles which form, dry up, and fall off, leaving a 
red spot below ; in others, we have one running into an- 
ther, and the cure is troublesome. 



186 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Treatment. — Regulate the bowels with the following : 

R. Podophyllin 10 grs. 

Leptandrin 20 grs. 

Make twenty powders, and give one every three hours, 
until free action is obtained. Direct a nutritious, unstim- 
ulating diet ; prohibit the use of alcoholic liquors ; daily 
bathing, plenty of fresh air. 

After the podophyllin powders have acted, put your 
patient on the comp. syrup of yellow dock. Apply locally : 

R. Iodine... 20 gr. 

Iodide potass 15 gr. 

Water 6 oz. 

Alcohol 1J oz. 

Mix, and dissolve. Saturate a cloth with this, and apply 
three or four times daily. 

HICCOUGH. 

Spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm, due to indi- 
gestion, nervous disorder, exhaustion, etc. 

No matter from what cause, it is a symptom of irritation 
of the pneumogastric nvrve. Hiccough, sometimes, be- 
comes quite troublesome, continuing for hours at a time. 

Treatment. — If due to indigestion, the following will 
relieve : 

R. Bicarbonate of soda , ....J oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Dose, a wineglassful every fifteen minutes. When due 
to nervous derangement, give a teaspoonful of tincture of 
valerian. Peppermint will often relieve, and is especially 
adapted to infants. Usually, anything to suddenly excite 
the patient will relieve at once. 

HOARSENESS. 

This is a very troublesome condition, often dependent 
upon slight colds. The symptoms are too well known to 
need description here. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 187 

Treatment. — In ordinary cases, there is nothing equal 
to a gargle of pepper sauce, or a pill, as follows : 

R. Powdered capsicum 2 gr. 

Roll into a pill with bread crumbs, and swallow it. Where 
the hoarseness is chronic, we would give inhalation of 
atomized fluids, and there is nothing excels the common 
aqua ammonia, used in a steam atomizer. If an atomizer 
is not convenient, any other method that will bring it in 
oontact with the throat. The following, taken internally, 
three times a day, is good : 

R. Aqua ammonia 1 oz. 

Tinct. capsicum 2 oz - 

Tinct. camphor 1 oz. 

Fluid extract xanthoxylin ■. J oz. 

Dose, thirty drops, in water, before each meal. 

WHOOPING COUGH. 

A period of six days usually intervenes between contact 
and taking on this disease. 

The cause of this disease is some fungoid excrescence, 
or poison of a specific nature, affecting mainly the cervical 
portion of the spinal cord and pneumogastric nerve. 

We evidently have bronchial inflammation as a secon- 
dary result. 

It sometimes prevails as an epidemic ; is extremely 
contagious, and appears only once in the same individual, 
more common to children than adults, from the tact of 
their more frequent exposure to it in early life, and are 
more susceptible to the effects of the poison. 

Symptoms. — In the first stage of whooping cough, the 
symptoms do not vary from those of an ordinary cold, 
sneezing, and redness of the eyes, with profuse watery 
discharges from the nostrils, headache, fever, oppression in 
chest, etc., etc. 

In the second stage, there is cough, coming on in par- 
oxysms ; in fact, of a convulsive, suffocating character, as a 



188 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE. 

result of spasmodic contraction of the glottis — the peculiar 
whoop, of the nature of which we can make no mistake. 
This stage lasts from four to seven weeks; the attacks may 
be every hour, or only one or two every twenty-four hours ; 
those last from five to ten minutes, and generally terminate 
in vomiting, and expectoration of a ropy mucus. 

The third, or declining stage, is less severe, all the 
symptoms are modified, and the paroxysms less frequent* 
In the course of two or three weeks the disease disappears. 

Whooping cough is contagious, and sometimes rages en- 
demically. It is a disease that one attack secures exemp- 
tion for life. 

The causes of whooping cough, like those of scarlet fever, 
and measels, appear to be dependent upon a peculiar mi- 
asm, though. I believe, its real cause is unknown. 

Colds, weakness, debility, etc., are favorable to its at- 
tacks. 

Treatment. — Most of the old-school writers only attempt 
to palliate, and set it down as a disease that must run its 
course, but I have found it just as amenable to treatment 
as any other disease. 

I have used various remedies for it, but I have never 
found anything equal to black cohosh and belladonna. I 
give 15 drops of tincture black cohosh every four hours* 
and, at same time, give one, two, or three drops of tincture 
belladonna every four hours ; that is, I give the tincture of 
black cohosh in sugar and water. In two hours I give to 
an infant one drop of tincture belladonna, giving the cohosh 
in two hours, and so on through the day. Two or three 
days will arrest the disease, and make the symptoms very 
light. I have succeeded, in some cases, with three drops 
of tincture of hyosiamus, three times a day, for a child 
three to six years old. 

Keep the patient well clothed, and out of cold, piercing 
winds, in winter, and you will have little trouble in reliev- 
ing whooping cough with these remedies. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 189 

HEENIA. 

This is .1 tumor formed by a displacement and protrusion 
of the bowels, which escape from their cavity. 

There are numerous varieties, abdominal is most com- 
mon. The symptoms are unmistakable, the sudden ap- 
pearance of a tumor or protuberance in the abdomen, or 
other parts. If always noticed, and proper efforts made 
to arrest it, it would never, as a rule, cause much trouble. 
We have reducible •; that is, when by manipulating with the 
hand you restore the bowels to their place. Irredticible, 
is where they cannot be returned, although no apparent 
impediment. 

We have strangulated hernia, when the pressure cuts off 
the circulation, or passage of the contents of the bowels 
that are protruded. We have well-marked symptoms — 
obstruction, vomiting, symptoms of peritonitis, inflamma- 
tion, etc. It is useless to enter into a full elucidation of 
symptoms and mode of treatment. 

When satisfied that you are ruptured, lose no time in 
procuring a well-fitting truss, one that will keep the bowels 
in place, and, if the aperture is not large, the following will 
soon relieve you : 

R. Fluid ext. myrica cer 1 . 

Fluid ext. hamamelis J 

Mix, and apply over the affected part twice a day, keep- 
ing the truss on when on foot, etc. 

Irreducible or strangulated hernia, can generally be re- 
duced and replaced by giving internally : 

R. Tinct. lobelia 1 teaspoonful. 

Ext. gelsem 10 drops. 

Give at a dose, and repeat in two hours. Apply to the 
parts : 

R. Tinct. belladonna \aa 1 

Tinct. lobelia J 

Arnica J. oz. 

Mix, and apply to the parts. Keep a cloth constantly 



190 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

applied, saturated with this, until reduction can be effected. 
Then apply a well fitting truss, and you will have obtained 
all possible relief, except from an operation, which none 
but the most skillful surgeons should undertake. 

If persons pay proper attention to themselves, they would 
never have rupture, as nothing but real violence can bring 
it about. Avoid it, as, once established, a radical cure is 
next to impossible. 

HYDROCEPHALUS, OR TUBERCULAR MENINGITIS. 

Unfortunately it is a well-established fact, that scrofulous 
taints are fearfully on the increase in this country. 

Improper marriage, depraved passions, noxious food, 
incompatibility, etc., are among the hereditary causes. 
Children stamped with this hereditary, or lowered, vitality* 
are deficient in regenerative powers. The blood is feeble, 
full of albumen; its red corpuscles do not attain their 
proper ratio in size, hence from the least irritation we have 
congestion, and an effusion of this albuminous fluid. 

Dentition, diarrhoea, worms, and various other exciting 
causes in children, hasten this development, etc. 

This we may denominate reflex irritation, it is true ; but 
powerful in exciting irritation and congestion of the mem- 
brane that covers the brain. These symptoms being pres- 
ent in a scrofulous child, we have tubercular meningitis, or 
acute hydrocephalous. 

The primary cause of tubercular meningitis, and hydro- 
cephalous, being alike due to the scrofulous diathesis, the 
symptoms (constitutional) are often the same, and are 
characteristic of these two conditions. 

Symptoms. — These are various but all characteristic; 
strumous diathesis, want of nutrition, peevish, irritable 
temper, restlessness, short, dry cough, intolerance of light, 
headache, giddiness, appetite variable, offensive breath, in- 
termittent pulse, furred tongue, moving and restless when 
asleep, eyes partially open, and awakes as in a fright. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 191 

These^symptoms continue, from a few days to a week, 
or more, then the little patient becomes drowsy, keeps 
quiet, sometimes flushes up in the face, and then again is 
pale as death ; face expresses suffering, pinched, weary 
look, pulse up to a hundred and twenty at one time, down 
to eighty at another; stupor, heaviness, paralysis, urine 
and fceces pass involuntary. 

Ten to fifteen days suffice to bring about coma, feeble 
pulse, cold extremities, and convulsions, ending in death. 

This is a true description of tubercular meningitis, or 
cases where tubercles (the same cheese-like substance as 
is found in the lungs in tubercular consumption), is found 
in the meninges. 

Treatment. — If we expect to effect anything in this 
disease, we must resort to active treatment ; we must get 
a free action on liver, skin, kidneys and bowels. To effect 
this, the following will be found excellent : 

R. Podophyllin. , 5 gr. 

Leptandrin 10 gr. 

Nitrate Potass 20 gr. 

Make ten powders. Give one night and morning, bathe 
the patient well with warm water, in which dissolve, say, 
one-fourth pound of common soda to a gallon of water ; 
rub well with sponge. 

R. Iodide potass 1 dr. 

Tincture belladonna J dr. 

Tinct. aconite fol J dr. 

Aqua 1 oz. 

Dose, twenty drops every two hours. Give five grains 
of bromide potass., dissolved in water, two or three times 
a day. Locally apply : 

R. Tinct. belladonna 1 oz. 

Spt. camphor 2 oz. 

Tinct. arnica 1 oz. 

Water 1 pt. 

Chloride soda J dr. 

Keep constantly applied to the head. 



192 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

When the urgent symptoms give way, give : 

R Glycerine... 8 oz. 

Acid phos dil 1 oz. 

Tinct. nux vomica 3 dr. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal, or three times 
a day. Shake well before usinng. 

HYDROCEPHALOUS. 

This is seldom met with as a congenital disease, but is 
usually associated with disease of the cerebellum. 

Effusion takes place, the head attains a great size, the 
manifold sutures yield to the pressure of the fluid, the 
bones become thin and transparent, the meninges become 
thickened, and the effusion is uniform throughout the scalp, 
generally, though may be more to one side. 

The amount of water varies ; in some cases, only a few 
ounces, in some, several pints may accumulate. 

Hydrocephalous is often the sequel of some scrofulous 
inflammation, but may be congenital. There is emacia- 
tion, ravenous appetite, small face, large globular cranium, 
head drops to one side helplessly, extreme sensitiveness to 
light, irritable temper, peevishness, imbecile epileptic fits, 
rolling of eye balls, etc. 

Symptoms. — Stupor, pallor, slow pulse, picking of nose 
and lips, dilation or contraction of the pupils of the eye. 

If remedies take effect, the muscular power returns, th 
appetite becomes natural, emaciation gives way, and gen- 
eral improvement takes place, it may be quite rapidly. 
Cases about to terminate fatally will have rapid pulsations, 
paralysis, coma, and death. 

Treatment. — The primary causes of hydrocephalous 
and tubercular meningitis are all due to the scrofulous di- 
athesis. 

Our treatment should be directed to improving, or 
changing, that abnormal condition. As a starting point, 
we have an enfeebled condition of the nervous system to 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 193 

begin with, and, like a stream of water, if the fountain 
is impure, we have the whole stream vitiated, so the blood 
is impure, not perfectly elaborated. Children are born 
with this hereditary taint, this sin of the parents visited 
upon them. Nourishing food, juice of meat, milk, salt 
water baths. Give the phosphorus and glycerine recom- 
mended in previous article. 

We must remove the effusion by acting on the bowels, 
kidneys and skin. To this end we would give the podo- 
phyllin powders as recommended in preceding article, and 
follow with : 

R. Comp. syrup yellow dock J pt. 

Iodide potass 3 dr. 

Dose, one teaspoonful three times a day. 
Apply the following to the head ; 

R. Muriate of ammonia 1 oz. 

Iodide potass J oz. 

Aqua 1 pt. 

Apply three times a day. 

HYDROPHOBIA. 

Hydrophobia is a disease usually brought on by inocu- 
lation of the saliva of a rabid animal, appearing in from 
twenty to sixty days after the bite. 

In a few instances it has remained in the system for 
years, finally breaking out with full force under the influ- 
ence of some depressing agency. 

Symptoms. — When about to break out, the bitten part 
assumes a livid appearance, is swollen and painful, pains 
darting from the wound with a burning sensation. Rigors, 
lassitude, depression, anxiety, watchfulness, giddiness, ir- 
ritable temper, eyes red and brilliant, very sensitive to 
light, uneasy sensation in the stomach, constriction of the 
chest, difficulty of swallowing, oppression and shortness 
of breath ; spasm of the larynx, secretion of a viscid saliva ; 
the patient continually hawking and spitting, mouth and 
throat intensely dry, and unquenchable thirst, which lie 



194 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

cannot allay on account of the spasmodic contraction of 
the throat, etc., when drink is offered. As the case pro- 
gresses the respiration is more difficult, the voice changes, 
the pulse underanged, yet the skin is hot and dry, spas- 
modic twitching of the body, pain that beggars description 
extends up the spine to the head ; the countenance be- 
comes pale and haggard, and the eyes sunken, heart palpi- 
tates, muttering delirium, inclination to bite, greatest anx- 
iety and uneasiness, sinking of the pulse, loss of voice, 
clammy sweat, convulsions, and death. 

The poison, when it comes in contact with the human 
tissues, has the effect to poison the nervous system, and 
the irritation speedily affects the whole muscular system. 
The heart, lungs, and brain, soon suffer, and death is the 
result. 

There is no mistaking hydrophobia for any other dis- 
ease, the peculiar symptoms are so well marked that its na- 
ture is plainly manifest. 

Treatment. — The safest and surest plan of treating a 
person bitten by a rabid animal, is immediate and total 
excision of the parts. Forcible suction is good, also lig- 
ature, above and below the wound, will aid in preventing 
absorption. Next to excision, complete cauterization is 
the best thing. Apply caustic potass, freely, follow with 
vinegar as a wash, and poultice with lobelia herb. This 
will lessen the danger, and may, effectually, prevent the 
disease. A strong tea of scull cap, drank freely, and, in 
alternation, carbonate of ammonia, is good. 

Remedial agents are few, but the best and main depend- 
ence of the American practice is, the scull-cap, ammonia, 
belladonna, tine, calabar bean, lobelia, musk, valerian, etc. 
Allopathy and homeopathy, alike, offer no cure for hydro- 
phobia. Hydropathy is a farce when it comes to this dis- 
ease, as no patient can possibly stand water. So, to the 
American practice, alone, need we turn for hope in this 
terrible calamity. We must keep in mind, we have a ter- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 195 

rible poison to neutralize, something that diffuses itself all 
through the nervous system — and remedies must be given 
to suspend the action of the poison. 

Lobelia is a partial antidote, in fact, by some, is consid- 
ered a specific. It should be given freely, and repeated, 
dose after dose, until the patient is unable to move a limb 
This is a powerful, but safe remedy, and, in connection 
with the following, I may claim a real specific for this most 
terrible poison : give a strong tea of scull-cap, or, if you 
can't get the herb, the fluid extract — half a teaspoonful, in 
a cup of warm water, every hour ; give, also, at same inter- 
val, twenty grains carbonate of ammonia, dissolved in water. 
Electricity is good ; place the bedstead on glass, and apply 
the positive current to the spine, and negative to the 
stomach. 

Let the patient inhale chloroform, not to the full effect, 
but partial. Give tinct. calabar bean, thirty drops every 
half hour, until the pupil contracts to the size of a pin's 
point. 

The great object in treatment after the symptoms begin 
to appear, is to suspend the nervous system until reflex 
action is prevented, and I am fully persuaded that the 
above treatment will keep the patient from the violent 
symptoms, which, if they fail to appear before the ninth 
day, are easily controlled thereafter. Convalescence is to 
be established on tonics, phosphorus, etc. 

HYPOCHONDRIA. 

This is another disease caused from reflex action. Func- 
tional derangement of liver, bowels, stomach, or kidneys, 
operate painfully upon the nervous system, producing dis- 
orders of the intellect, inactivity, and impaired condition 
of the mind. We have languor, lassitude, want of reso- 
lution, and to sum it all up, if you want a perfect specimen 
of misery and woe, you need ask for no other than a hypo- 

chondriaic patient. They are expecting a terrible disease, 
13 



196 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

death is at the door, all that makes life tolerable is soon to 
be taken away, and last, though not least, they are going 
crazy. 

Treatment. — The most efficacious treatment, is to regu- 
late the system — the secretions of the liver and kidneys. 
To this end we would inculcate exercise in the open air, 
attention to diet, bathing in salt-water. Tea, tobacco, liq- 
uors of an intoxicating nature, should be dispensed with. 
We would give pills of podophyllin comp. (Eclectic pill,) 
every night say, three at a dose, and would follow with 
syrup Hypophosphites soda, lime and iron, one teaspoon- 
ful before each meal. After meals give — 

R. Tinct. nuxvomica 1 

Tinct. Xanthox J 

Tinct. Diascor J 

Dose, 20 drops in water after each meal. Keep the mind 
employed, and observe the hygienic laws, most conducive 
to a good digestion, etc. 

ICHTHYASIS- 

This is a non-contagious skin disease, consisting of a dry 
scale, like unto a fish-scale, one connecting with another, 
hence it has been called fish-skin disease. 

It is not attended with much redness, itching, or sore- 
ness. A congenital disease, very obstinate and difficult to 
cure. The following is the best treatment we have been 
able to adopt : 

R. Comp. syrup yellow dock 1 pt. 

Potass 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

R. Fluid ext. alnus rub 1 oz. 

Iris versicol 1 

Dose, twenty drops after each meal. Wash the part 
well with whale oil soap, and apply — 

R. Bi-carbonate soda 1 dr. 

Water 1 pt. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 197 

Keep a cloth saturated with this constantly applied, 
using the whale oil soap at night. Some months are re- 
quired to cure it. 

IMPETIGO, OR RUNNING TETTER. 

This is a severe inflammation of the skin, characterized 
by an eruption of small, hemi-spherical, or flattened, pustules 
in clusters, and forming incrustations, or yellow scabs. 
From under these incrustations exudes a yellow matter, the 
crusts enlarge, become thicker, finally drop off, and leave 
a raw surface below. The mode of distribution causes a 
division of the disease under different heads. In treating 
this disease there is no better local application than olive 
oil and lime water, mixed ; elder flowers in decoction, or 
ointment, is also good. In connection with this, we need 
a thorough constitutional treatment, stimulating all the 
secretions. 

Among our remedies none equal the following : 

R. Comp syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

R. Fluid ext. alnus ^ 

Fluid ext. Iris versicol Vaa J oz. 

Fluid ext. Corydalis ."..J 

Twenty drops after meals. Keep the affected parts 
well cleaned with carbolic soap, and water, and the local 
appplication above indicated. 

INFLAMMATION. 

This is an effort of nature to throw off disease, especially 
is this true of local fevers. It is usually a salutary effort, 
though attended with pain, swelling, heat and redness. 
Inflammation usually terminates in either resolution, which 
is a return of the parts to its natural condition, or in the 
effusion of serum, lymph, hemorrhage, ulceration, or the 
death of the parts following the sloughing. The cause of 



198 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

inflammation is an arrest of the circulation, or interchange 
of material between the tissues and the blood. Over-stim- 
ulation of a part will arrest the circulation, producing con- 
gestion or stagnation. Nature steps to the front, and en- 
deavors to correct this by inflammatory process. 

Inflammation being due to these causes, now, our busi- 
ness is to assist nature in correcting this abnormal condition. 
Treatment. — Apply to the seat of inflammation in the 
early stages : 

R. Lobelia herb 1 oz. 

Water..., 1 pt. 

Boil to a half-pint, and thicken with elm, corp meal, or 
flax seed. Apply, and renew as often as it gets dry. In- 
ternally : 

R. Tincture aconite fol J oz. 

Fluid ext. gelseminum \ 

Dose, 20 drops every three or four hours, until all con- 
stitutional symptoms disappear. 

INFLUENZA. 

An aggravated form of acute catarrh, but essentially 
different in its nature. It is often met with as an epidemic, 
whole sections of country being attacked at the same time. 
In addition to the symptoms of simple catarrh, we have 
others, more complicated and troublesome. Cough, re- 
sembling that of whooping cough, sneezing, scalding dis- 
charge from the nostrils, eyes red and inflamed, hoarse- 
ness, general irritable condition of the whole nervous 
system, great soreness and oppression in the throat, bowels 
usually constipated. Often the whole bronchial tubes 
are involved, the mucous membrane is inflamed, giving 
rise to a rawness in the chest, stitches in the side, thick, 
tenacious and semi-purulent matter. 

Symptoms. — Depression of the mental functions, watery 
discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, frontal head- 
ache, nervovs disturbance, profuse sweats. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 199 

Treatment. — At the start, we would recommend a tea- 
cup of tea of composition powders. Steep a teaspoonful 
of the powder with two teaspoonsful of sugar, in a teacup 
of hot water, and take before retiring at night. Then 
give the following every three hours : 

R. Tinct. aconite fol ..1 oz. 

Tinct. belladonna 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. eupator. perfoliatum 1 oz. 

Dose, thirty drops, in water, or, if the above is not 
handy, steep an ounce of dried leaves of boneset, in a pint 
of water, and give a wine glass of the infusion every half 
hour. Continue the boneset until there is a free action on 
the skin ; after that give at longer intervals. Convalesence 
to be established upon vegetable tonics, iron, and a good 
nutritious diet. 

INTERMITTENT FEVEB. 

All diseases of the nervous system are intermittent in 
their character ; especially, is this the case, in those due to 
malarial poisoning, or the product of decay of vegetable 
matter. Either of these have the effect, when taken in by 
inhalation, of poisoning the blood and nervous system. 
The poisonous effects are often conveyed through the mu- 
cous membranes of the stomach, from drinking water from 
a malarial base. 

We have it plainly demonstrated, that the nervous sys- 
tem is chiefly and mainly involved, irom the fact that we 
have pain in the head, back, calves of the legs, general 
lassitude, debility, arrested secretion, etc., the skin dry and 
hot, the blood is involved, the spleen becomes hard, or in- 
durated, the pulsation intermittent. The liver is involved, 
more or less, the secretion is arrested or diminished, and 
the bowels constipated, tongue coated. 

The disease is due to decomposition of vegetable matter, 
and never exists where the temperature is below seventy 
degrees, and the vital forces of the patient lowered to ren- 
der him susceptible to the influence of the poison, and just 



200 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

in proportion to the amount of the poison inhaled, and the 
susceptibility of the patient to the influence of the effects, 
will the severity of the case be. If the vital powers are good, 
and the amount of poison inhaled not great, we will have 
the quotidian type of intermittent. If the vitality is weaker, 
and the amount of malaria inhaled greater, we have the 
tertian type, but where the vitality is extremely low, and 
the exposure to malarial influence very great, we have the 
quartian type. The interval, in the first grade, quotidian, 
is twenty-four hours ; the interval, in the second, or tertian, 
is forty-eight hours, and, in the third, or quartian, seventy- 
two ; that is, the time from the beginning of one, until the 
commencement of the next. 

The quotidian come in the morning, the tertian at noon, 
and the quartian at evening. This is the rule, but. not 
invariable, as they may appear at any time, most common 
in spring and fall. We have in a paroxysm of intermittent 
fever, three stages, cold, hot, and sweating stage. The first, 
or cold stage, lasts from one half to three hours ; the hot 
stage, from five to twelve hours, and the sweating stage, 
from one to three hours. While attacks of intermittent 
fever are not necessarily dangerous, yet, if long con- 
tinued, the spleen, liver, stomach and skin, is involved, 
and we have a general breaking down of the whole nervous 
system, and the blood soon becomes deficient in the red 
principle. 

Treatment — The treatment of intermittent fever is 
almost as numerous as the patients. 

The author of this work having practiced for a number 
of years where chills and fever, as it is familiarly called, 
was in every house, and where he had ample time and 
material for experience and experiment, soon reached a 
point where ague, or intermittent fever, could never exist, 
after the use of his prescription. 

To begin with, give — 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 201 

R. Podophyllin 4 gr. 

Leptandrin 8 gr. 

Irisine 4 gr. 

Divide into four doses. Give one night and morning. 
Commence four hours before chill time and give — 

R. Salacine 10 gr. 

Pepperine 10 gr. 

Beberine 20 gr. 

Cinchonine 40 gr. 

Mix, and make eight powders. Give one powder in a 
teaspoonful of water every hour, until four are taken. Give 
the other four next chill day, follow with the bitter tonic 
three times a day. 

As a preventive, a dose of my liver pills, once or twice 
a week, will keep them effectually away from you. ■ 

This treatment is positive in every case, and to families 
who find it troublesome to procure the powders first recom- 
mended, a good dose of my liver pills will answer every 
purpose. 

INTERCOSTIAL NEURALGIA. 

This is a severe pain in the back, ranging from the region 
of the kidneys up to the neck. On pressure we generally 
find two or more painful spots in the spinal column. It is 
often connected with debility, leucorrhea, irregular men- 
struation, hysteria, chlorosis, Bright's disease, consump- 
tion, etc. 

Treatment. — This will depend upon the disease ; if 
from debility, we must build up the general health with 
tonics. The hypophosphites are good. We must break 
up the periodical nature of the disease by the following: 

R. Sulphate quinine 20 gr. 

Gelseminum 6 gr. 

Ergotine - 20 gr. 

Ext. belladonna 6 gr. 

Mix, and make 20 pills. Give one every three hours. 



2'J"2 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Salt-water bathing, one to three times a week, is excellent. 
INTESTINAL DISEASE. 

Obscure intestinal diseases are apt to baffle even the 
most skillful physicians, and the symptoms are so near 
those existing in other diseases, that we are often at a loss 
to determine or locate them. The diseases of a prominent 
nature, or of well defined symptoms, are mentioned under 
their regular head. We occasionally meet with calcarious 
deposits in the intestines, and when we do meet with them 
they are usually a deposit of lime, soda. When the pains 
are such as to cause us to suspect this, we should resort to 
relaxation: give lobelia, gelseminum, etc., and when suffi- 
ciently relaxed, give an active purgative, under which the 
deposit will be expelled. Obstruction to the free pas- 
of the intestines may arise from a variety of causes, hernia, 
cancer, tumors in the bowels, stricture, contraction from 
healing of ulceration after typhoid fever, etc., foreign 
bodies, concretion, etc. 

Symptoms. — Constipation, persistent vomiting of mucous, 
then the contents of the stomach and bowels, followed by 
prostration and peritonial inflammation. 

Treatment. — Place the patient under the influence of 
the following : 

R. Tincture lobelia ^ oz. 

Tincture gelseminum J oz. 

Dose, thirty-one to sixty drops even* two hours. Ap- 
ply over the abdomen poultices of the herb of belladonna, 
inject the bowels with warm water, to which add a tea- 
spoonful of tincture of lobelia, and ten drops of belladonna. 
The intestines sometimes get drawn in, one part in over 
another, like the finger of a glove drawn in ; this will cause 
obstruction, and congestion — ulceration, and slouching 
may ensue. The treatment recommended above is about 
all we can do in these cas-.s. The symptoms are, intense 
pain, vomiting, obstinate constipation, discharge of mucus 
and blood from the bowels. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 203 

INSANITY. 

This is one of the greatest calamities that can befall the 
human kind. In a healthy and active brain, or nervous 
system, we have three conditions — objective ideas, which 
arise in external surroundings ; subjective ideas, which 
are from religious or strong impressions, and last, im- 
pressed ideas, as abstract truths, original thoughts, etc. 

An impression made upon any of the senses, is at once 
telegraphed to nerve head-quarters — the brain, hence the 
sense of smell is immediately transmitted to the brain ; if 
the odor is agreeable, the brain approves, and is delighted, 
if the reverse, it is repugnant and disgusting. So in the 
same manner are ideas, thoughts, or instruction conveyed 
to the brain ; if this faculty is impaired, memory deficient 
and incapable of receiving, acting, retaining or rejecting, 
or if at all in a disordered way, then we have insanity. 

To define insanity would require a book much larger 
than this volume, and to draw the lines between perfect 
sanity and insanity is a nice thing, indeed. Most of the 
murders, of the present day, are attributed to insanity, 
but, strange to say, many other crimes due to an over- 
stimulated, or exalted condition of the sense or feeling in- 
volved, are seldom charged to insanity. We have more 
cases of partial insanity amongst us than we are willing to 
admit. 

We will proceed to mention some of the most promi- 
nent symptoms. 

At first, we may have only a partial perversion of the 
intellect, the chain of ideas is broken, producing incon- 
gruous combinations at variance with reason and common 
sense. W T e must not jump to the conclusion that this is 
insanity, without other symptoms. Insanity appears under 
various phases, according to the part of the brain affected. 
Severe cases are slow in developing themselves — the most 
prominent symptoms, and those which should excite alarm, 
are headache, giddiness, loss of memory, mental confusion, 



204 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

irritable temper, carelessness, want of application to usual 
occupations, lethargy, weakness, desire to sleep, tired of 
life. The first intellectual faculty that gives way is the 
memory; strangeness of conduct, imperfect articulation, 
impaired stomach, obscure thoughts, frightful dreams, 
sometimes complicated with paralysis, or epilepsy. When 
complicated with epilepsy, the conduct of the patient is 
ferocious and outrageous, but, when complicated with 
paralysis, is quite helpless. 

When paralysis is a sequel, or result, of mental disease, 
it increases as the power of the mind diminishes. I am of 
the opinion, that no form of insanity should be recognised, 
but that mental unsoundness the result of disease. 

There are different forms of insanity. 
Mania. 

This is a species of special derangement. Patient may 
be quite rational upon special subjects, hut the whole mind 
perverted and deranged upon some subjects ; seizing upon 
some topic, passing from one to the other with great 
rapidity — ideas are abundant, erroneous, and obscured — 
manner wandering, sometimes violent and exciting. 
The intellect becomes deranged on all subjects ; the moral 
qualities become perverted, and hatred, rage, and quarrel- 
ing takes the place of other qualities, before the patient 
may be conscious of his identity but the mind operates 
through a diseased organ, shrieking, crying, laughing, 
emaciation, want of sleep, loss of appetite. 

We have another class of cases which we may term : 
Monomania. 

A derangement upon some particular subject, which 
constantly occupies the mind to the exclusion of every- 
thing else. 

I knew an aged woman, once very wealthy, who, on the 
death of her husband, had been left penniless, and ever 
after, she was talking law, and of a pending law -suit, which 
would, when decided, restore her lost fortune ; her insanity 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 205 

was harmless, but unfitted her for every employment. The 
reasoning power is impaired, but the logic may be good 
and correct in the main, yet your patient never leaves his 
subject. We have several forms of monomania — 

Dementia. 

This is a weakness of intellect from accident, age, or 
other causes producing feeble mind ; ideas few and confused, 
vague, wandering, memory much impaired ; ignorance of 
time, place, quantity, or quality, quick to forget ; are unde- 
cided, childish and silly, devoid both of affection, or aver- 
sion ; restlessness, excitement, scarcely any control over 
the evacuations, etc. 

Idiocy. 

Due to congenital imperfection of the brain, mind not 
developed, ideas few and simple, manners foolish, transient 
bursts of passion, vacancy, articulation and gait imperfect, 
may be blind, or deaf mute. 

Causes — Insanity is always associated with disease of 
the body. Mind and body must act in perfect harmony ; 
this is an immutable law of nature. In some cases insan- 
ity is hereditary, but most cases occur when the brain has 
reached its most active point, and is easily excited by hard 
study, over-work, dyspepsia, etc. Injuries upon the head, 
poison, want of sleep, over-exertion, mentally or physi- 
cally, hereditary predisposition, etc. Other causes will 
be found more fully explained in my work, "Nervous 
Vitality." 

A careful perusal of this pamphlet will reveal many 
things not proper to state here, and will throw light on the 
subject of insanity. 

Treatment. — The most important consideration is rest 
of mind and body. We want change — change of scene, 
change of place, change of occupation ; a proper amount 
of sleep is indispensable, the greatest possible attention is 
to be paid to hygienic rules. Keep the secretions all in 
healthy, active condition, the skin, liver, and kidneys. 



206 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The sexual organs must be in a healthy condition, and, 
in addition to this, we must pay special attention to the 
removal of other diseases, rheumatism, etc. To meet the 
mental derangement we would give : 

R. Cinchona comp 8 oz. 

Acid phosph. dilut 2 oz. 

Simple syrup 4 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful three times a day before meals. 
R. Tr. hyoscyamu s , 



Tr. belladonna V L 

Cannabis indi. 



U 



Tr. Stramon 

Dose, 30 drops in water, after each meal, and, at night, 
give 30 drops tr. calabar bean, just before retiring. 

When the brain is diseased, the secretions and excre 
tions are, in a measure, arrested, and we have to give 
much larger dose than under other circumstances ; deplet- 
ing medicines should be avoided by all means, as they tend 
to depress rather than benefit. 

IRITIS. 

Inflammation of the iris. This is the part we might term 
the middle portion of the structure of the eye, as it lies 
between the cornea and chrystaline lens. It divides the 
eye into what we term the anterior and posterior chambers, 
cavity containing the aqueous humor of the eye, these 
cavities are lined by a membrane similar to that covering 
the heart and bowels, (pleura peritonium.) Inflammation 
there, is of an adhesive kind, and is usually the most form- 
idable of all inflammations of the eye. The effusion of 
lymph may stop the movement of the iris, change the form 
of the eye to all appearances, and may even close it 
up altogether. 

Causes. — The causes of this disease are various. It may 
come from sudden exposure of the eye, to intense glaring 
light, from surgical operations on the eye, often met with 
among engravers, watch-makers, needle- women, etc. May 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 207 

sometimes result from mechanical injuries, constitutional 
taints, rheumatism, scrofula, mercury, syphilis, etc. 

Jt causes more constitutional disturbance, than any other 
inflammatory disease of the eye. 

Symptoms. — The eye is red, vision dimmed, the light in- 
tolerable, pain in the eye, and nerves around the eye. We 
may have deep-seated, tearing, lancinating pains in the eye, 
and extending to the top of the head, spasmodic move- 
ment of the globes of the eye, severe pain on moving the 
eye, specks or black spots floating before the eye, effusion 
of blood and matter into the anterior chamber of the eye, 
irritability of the whole system, gastric, febrile, and other 
symptoms making their appearance. Grey or blue eyes 
change to a yellow tint, while black assume a red appear- 
ance ; there is throbbing pain in the eye, mental depression, 
etc. 

Treatment. — The treatment of iritis varies according to 
the cause. Our efforts should be to subdue inflammation, 
arrest effusion, and create absorption of lymph, preserve the 
pupil, and allay the pain. Our treatment must be active, 
as the tendency of the disease is to run its course rapidly. 
To meet the indications of the case, give — 

R. Podophyllin 4 gr. 

Leptandrin 4 gr. 

Jalap 4gr. 

Mix, and make four powders. Give one in a teaspoon- 
ful of cream of tartar every night. Give every three 
hours — 

R. Tine, veratrum vir J oz. 

Aconite fol J oz. 

Fluid ext. asclepias | oz. 

Dose, 30 drops in water. Continue till the pulse is re- 
duced. Counter irritants to the neck may do good, use 
equal parts oil capsicum and croton, apply to the nape of 
the neck, give three times a day the comp. syrup of yellow 
dock, with the iodide potassa. 



208 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Apply around the eye fluid ext. of belladonna, so as to 
keep the pupils well distended. 

After the acute symptoms have passed, we would get 
up a healty tone in the system, by giving cinchona, or the 
hypophosphites, as a tonic. Daily bathing will be found 
excellent. 

JAUNDICE. 

This is a mere symptom of various morbid conditions, 
and should be treated more as a symptom of disease, than 
as a disease itself. The cause of its appearance is, gener- 
ally, in the liver, or kidneys. 

Causes. — Suppression of biliary secretions, or functions, 
rather. In this case the coloring matter of the bile is 
thrown into the blood, or it may take place from absorp- 
tion of the fluid (bile) which is not conveyed out of the 
system, through the regular channel, after being formed. 

Symptoms. — The skin changes to a yellow hue; the 
conjunctivia, white of the eye, changes to a yellow hue, 
the urine is of a porter color, and the skin itches, and be- 
comes thick and dry. 

We have drowsiness, peevish, irritable temper, bitter 
taste in the mouth, slow pulse, derangement of the stom- 
ach, and, sometimes, everything we look at appears yel- 
low. 

Obstruction from gall stones cause severe pains, which 
will be found fully described under that head. The symp- 
toms vary according to the amount of bile absorbed ; it 
frequently causes cerebral excitement, on account of the 
poisoning of the brain. If connected with diseased liver, 
we have weakness, emaciation, and general nervous de- 
pression, tending to hemorrhage from lungs, nose, etc. 

Treatment. — Jaundice can be readily cured by an active 
course of treatment, a good emetic is advisable in most 
cases. Give the sulphite of soda, say, twenty grains 
every hour. Until the bowels are thoroughly acted on, 
we cannot expect much relief — to meet this indication, 
give— 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 209 

R. Podophyllin 1 gr. 

Leptandrin. 4 gr. 

Irisine 1 gr. 

Give at a dose, and repeat, if not moved in nine hours. 
Give six drops nitro-muriatic acid, in one-fourth wine glass 
of water, before each meal. 

Paint over the region of the liver, with — 

R. Podophyllin 20 gr. 

Alcohol , 1 oz. 

Dissolve, and paint with feather, or camels hair pencil, 
twice in twenty-four hours, until small pustules appear. 
Dress with mutton suet. 

Bathe the whole body well, one to three times a week. 

JOINT DISEASE. 

The principal cause of joint diseases are, scrofula, 
syphilis, rheumatism, injuries, etc. Each will demand 
treatment according to the cause, or nature, of the disease. 

Treatment. — Perfect rest is all important, and we should 
direct our constitutional treatment, to removal of causes. 
If. from scrofulous diseases, we should use counter-irritants 
over the joints. If from rheumatism, give constitutional 
treatment under that head, and apply cloths, saturated with 
soda, potass., or other alkalies, to the joint. Syphilitic 
diseases of joint will require constitutional treatment, with 
sulphur vapor to the joints. For injuries, arnica lotion, or 
carbolic acid lotion, will answer every purpose. 

In general debility, give — 

R. Glycerine 1 pt. 

Phosphic acid 3 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

KJNOCK-KNEES. 
This deformity can, sometimes, be overcome by salt- 
water baths, friction, electricity, etc., all of which are well 
worth a trial. If this fails, there are numerous contriv- 



210 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

ances, or appliances, for correcting this trouble, which are 
well worth trying. You can apply them just as well, and 
affect as much, as to incur heavy expense, visiting surgical 
institutes for them. Kolbe, of Philadelphia, is one of the 
most popular manufacturers. 

LARYNGITIS. 

A slight degree of inflammation of the mucous mem- 
brane of the larynx, is common as a result of cold. It is 
marked by slight cough, hoarseness, and sore, unpleasant 
feeling in breathing. Acute laryngitis, or inflammation of 
mucous, and sub-mucous, membrane of larynx, is rare, but 
when it does occur, is apt to prove fatal in a short time. 
True, this is a local inflammation, not more than the space 
of one inch, yet, how terrible the result ! We first have 
congestion, then effusion, just sufficient to prevent sufficient 
air and blood going into the lungs, as nature demands, and, 
when this is the case, life is endangered. This disease is 
almost peculiar to adult age, and to those whose tendency 
is to scrofula, or other blood diseases ; it makes its appear- 
ance without warning. 

At the end of a few hours we have fever, denoted by 
flushed face, increased pulse, hoarseness, redness of the 
fauces, difficulty of swallowing, and breathing, great 
anxiety, hoarseness increases, and the voice is soon im- 
paired ; suffocation is threatened, peculiar, wheezing sound, 
as of air passing through a small tube. Great difficulty of 
swallowing, especially liquids, cough grows harsh, and 
brassy ; great degree of congestion of the vessels of the 
face, and head, eyes protruding, etc. The effort for breath 
is terrible, the whole muscles of the chest being brought 
into action ; we have gasping for breath, followed by drow- 
siness, delirium, and death. 

In acute laryngitis the great trouble is in the inflamma- 
tion, and swelling of the mucous membrane, cutting off 
the powers of respiration. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 211 

Treatment. — The treatment here, if to effect anything, 
must be active and positive, no expectant course will do 
here : and, remember, it is only one little spot, and that 
stands between your patient and life. The spot is small, 
the dose of medicine is small. Four drops of verat. vir. , 
and gelsem., as follows : 

R. Fluid ext. gelsem J oz. 

Fluid ext. verat J oz. 

Dose, 4 drops every half hour, until entire relief is ob- 
tained. Give in a spoonful of elm water. Those patients 
who are attacked with this disease, usually have some 
lowered vital condition that gives rise to these attacks, 
this must be overcome after the urgent symptoms are re- 
lieved. We want a good nutritious diet, something to 
give tone and strength to the whole system. Beef tea is 
good, and solid food is more readily taken than liquid, a 
greater effort is required to swallow liquids than solids. 

We would remark, that no depleting medicines are 
admissible in this class of disease ; nothing will act better 
than verat. and gelsem. 

Keep the patient quiet, apply cold water to the throat, 
and, if you have an atomizer, use spray of iodine, and 
warm water. We meet with chronic laryngitis, as a sequel 
to the acute, and, in many cases of consumption, it occurs 
in the latter stage. In some, it precedes the collapsed 
stage. It is a common attendant of syphilitic poisoning. 

The course of treatment, best calculated to do good, is 
alteratives and tonics. 

LEAD POISONING. 

This is more common than most physicians imagine. 
The mania of the people, of late years, to improve upon 
nature, is so great that they seize upon hair dyes, the base 
of all them being lead, or nitrate of silver, and in this way 
much of the poisoning comes. We have paralysis of the 
muscles ; lead coming in contact with the solids, and fluids, 
14 



212 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

of the body, is taken up, conveyed into the blood, destroys 
the red principle, and, acting on the muscles in this way, 
prevents their contracting, except under powerful influ- 
ences. This poisonous effect shows itself first, upon the 
muscular fibre of the intestines, they being most delicate, 
and easily affected ; in this connection, it appears as a lead 
colic ; the pain is intense, the intestines have a constant 
work to perform ; no chance to give them rest, or time to 
recover from exhaustion. Constipation is a first result, 
then colic. 

We have the effect upon the extensor muscles of the 
fore-arm, and, if long continued, the muscles waste away. 
We find painters suffering from severe pain in the extensor 
muscles. 

The diagnosis is easy in most cases ; we have inevitable 
colic attacks, vomiting and constipation, and a peculiar, 
grinding, or twisting sensation, around the naval ; retrac- 
tion of abdominal integuments. There is, also, a blue line 
around the edge of the gums. 

Treatment. — Give emetic of green lobelia, and a com- 
bination of — 

R. Fluid ext. lobelia 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. wild yam 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful, per rectum and stomach, every 
hour until the whole system is relaxed, then give — 

R. Leptandrin 10 gr. 

Podophyllin 10 gr. 

Croton oil 1 drop. 

Mix, and give at a dose ; repeat in three hours, if not re- 
lieved. After the urgent symptoms have disappeared, 
give iodide potass, five grains ; dose, every three hours. 
Duly bathing with a weak solution of sulphuret ol potass., 
is very good to remove the poison. 

After having removed the cause, we would advise rest 
to the affected part ; rest of the whole muscular structure. 
Then bring up the system upon tonics, iron, hydrastis, etc. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 213 

LEPRA. 

This is the most obstinate and inveterate of all the cura- 
ble skin diseases. 

It is anon-contagious squamous eruption, consisting of 
red, scaly patches, circular in form, and scattered over the 
whole body ; prone to appear near the joints, knees and 
elbows. The patches extend and sometimes spread over 
the whole trunk. There are three varieties of lepra. 

Lepra Vulgaris. — When the patches are small, round, 
red, and covered with white scales. 

Lepra Alphoids. — When the eruption is small, white, and 
of long standing. 

Syphilitic Lepra. — When it is a result of syphilis, in these 
cases it is copper colored. 

Lepra maybe hereditary, or it may arise from imperfect 
ventilation, filth, want of bathing, any of the depressing 
passions, bad diet. 

Once established it is undoubtedly one of the most ob- 
stinate diseases to get rid of, and our treatment must be 
directed to removing the cause. 

Treatment. — We would give such medicines as will act 
on the organs of assimilation, and, to this end, give cin- 
chona, iron, or hydrastis. The following is good : 

R. Fluid ext. stillingia,...., 1 

Fluid ext. alnus 1 

" Iris versicol 1 

" Corydalis 1 

" Rumex 1 

Tinct. kalma 1 

Simple syrup \ pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful half hour after meals. 
Bathe the person well with warm alkaline baths daily, 
rub well with a coarse towel or sponge. Keep the bowels 
regulated with the Eclectic pills, one to three at night. 
LEUCOCYTHEMIA. 
The red principle or globules in the blood are red, round 



214 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

very small disks, floating in a colorless fluid, called liquor 
sanguine, or serum. 

In some conditions we find these globules diminished, 
as in anaemia — we have a great deficiency. In health, 
there should be 119 to 1,000 parts of blood, but, in some 
cases, I have seen them as low as thirty, on the other 
hand, in plethora, they are increased to 141. 

There is scarcely any condition that might be mentioned, 
that would not influence the vital fluid. 

It may be emphatically asserted, that change of health, 
temper, food, emotion, air, variation, etc., has its effects, 
upon the blood. 

An excessive use of vegetable acids will deteriorate the 
blood, while eating freely of fresh animal food increases 
the nbrine, and richness of the blood, predisposing to dis- 
ease 

If we have unhealthy blood, the smallest cut or scratch 
will ulcerate, and eruptions of the skin, scrofula, scurvy, or 
some other morbid condition appear. Eating and drinking 
is, no doubt, a fruitful source of blood disease. 

Imperfect action of skin, Kidneys, and liver, is among 
the principle cause of blood disease. 

Perfect health requires the perfect performance of all the 
functions of depuration. 

When we have the red principle diminished, we have 
an impaired condition of the nervous system, and some 
special degeneration, especially in females. We meet with 
some cases where the blood disks, or globules elaborated, 
are entirely whole, this is what we term a whole cell con- 
dition of the blood, and is. in a measure, due to disease of 
the spleen 

The spleen acts as a sort of safety valve in equalizing the 
circulation, this, with the lymphatics, exercise an import- 
ant part in the elaboration of the vital fluid. 

Id many of the morbid, unhealthy conditions, the red 
principle of the blood is diminished, until we have that 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 215 

palor, anaemia, debility, disordered circulation, depression, 
hemorrhage from nose, lungs, stomach, jaundice, anasarca 
or dropsy, sudden death, rupture of heart, etc. 

Treatment. — Every thing that will aid in toning up, 
and bracing the patient will be of utility; nourishing diet, 
stimulants, salt water baths, warm clothing. In other 
words, give a good blood-creating diet, and the syrup 
hypophosphites comp. one teaspoonfu! before each meal. 

LICHEN. 

There are several varieties of this disease, and yet, the 
general character is the same ; the following will apply to 
all the varieties. Lichen consists of a number of small 
eruptions on the arm, breast, and limbs, attended with 
stinging, itching, and burning, especially when the patient 
gets warm, or is well covered up in bed. It may spread 
over the whole body. Its appearance may be preceded by 
slight, febrile symptoms, derangement of the stomach. 
The base of the eruption is red, and inflamed, is quite 
painful, does not suppurate, or become filled with serum ; 
continues eight or ten days, drys up, and falls off in form 
of scurf. Generally depends upon some irritation of the 
stomach, indigestion, errors in diet, worms, teething, and 
exposure to sudden changes. 

Treatment. — Bathe daily with weak ley, or soda water 
and give : 

R. Fluid ext. tag. alder 1 

Fluid ext. sassafras. 1 

Dose, 30 drops before each meal. 

R. Hydrastis can 

Poplar bark \ aa 

Unicorn root. Jl oz. 

Digest in a quart of gin, and take a tablespoonful be- 
fore each meal. Regulate the bowels with the Eclectic pill ; 
keep the parts well bathed, avoid all over-stimulants, de- 
pressing passions, etc. 



216 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

LIPOMA. 

The result of too free indulgence of the pleasures of the 
table. It is simply an enlargement of the skin and car- 
tilage of the nose. Careful diet, avoid all stimulants, keep 
the liver well regulated, and apply to the nose every night 
a plaster spread with : 

R. Stramonium ointment J oz. 

Iodide potass 2 dr. 

Muriate of ammonia 1 dr. 

Mix, and keep regularly applied every night. 

LUPUS. 

Indurated or tubercular swelling of the skin, sometimes 
does not ulcerate for a long time, while again the distinct- 
ive tendency is so great, that ulceration occurs. But early 
ulceration, usually commences at the base of the tubercle, 
and takes the form of a circle, more or less complete. Most 
frequently attacks the nose, and is essentially a scrofulous 
ulceration. 

We have it divided into two forms by some writers, 
hipus non exeden and lupus exedens. There is no ulceration 
(as its name indicates,) in the first, a mere exudation of tu- 
bercle, extension superficial, and spreads rapidly. The 
latter form is more distinct, eats the nose, cheek, and every 
part it comes in contact with. 

I had a case under my care some years ago, where the 
lips were destroyed, the teeth ready to drop from their 
process, the nose nearly destrojred, and the eyes almost 
ready to drop from their sockets ; strange to say, under 
my treatment, he so far recovered as to stop medicine, but 
unfortunately went back to the bottle (intemperance,) and 
soon brought all his ailments upon him again. 

There is continuous destruction of the skin, and tending 
to increased ulceration. It often destroys the muscles, 
finally the bones, and produces the most hideous de- 
formity. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 217 

Cause. — The scrofulous diathesis is the predisposing 
cause. The exciting cause, depressing influence and intem- 
perance, both in eating and drinking, excesses in any di- 
rection. 

Treatment. — One of the most important considerations 
is perfect hygienic rules, a good nutritious diet, fresh air, 
plenty of exercise, all alcoholic liquors must be abandoned. 
The local treatment may be the free application of caustic 
potass , after a healthy surface makes its appearance ; dress 
with — 

R. Permanganate potass 16 gr. 

Water 8 oz. 

Saturate a piece of lint, and keep constantly applied. All 
local applications fail, unless we can bring up the general 
health of the patient. 

We must endeavor to get up a free, healthy secretion of 
all the functions of liver, kidneys, skin, etc. To this end 
give one or two of the Eclectic pills at night, and every day 
give the following : 

R. Fluid ext. lept 1 oz. 

Tinct. nux vomica 2 oz. 

Iris 1 oz. 

Dose. 20 drops after each meal. Give before meals, one 
teaspoonful of the syrup hypophosphites, o«*, in place of 
that, give — 

R. Pure glycerine 1 pt. 

Acid phos. dil 3 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before meals. Daily baths of 
soda, dissolved in water, a good diet, and regular habits, 
are everything, 

MALARIA. 

Sulphuretted hydrogen, the active principle of malaria, 
is evolved from decaying vegetable matter, when the tem- 
perature exceeds seventy degrees ; consequently, we never 
have malarial poisoning, where the temperature does not 
reach that point It is more freely evolved, or generated, 



218 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

in marshes where sulphates exist, either in soil, vegetable 
matter, or stagnant water. 

Now, understanding malaria in the system, as a taking 
up of an excessive quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen, we 
need only look for a neutralizing chemical agent, and we 
have a remedy, positive and specific, in its effects upon 
malarial fever. 

Sulphuric acid, chlorine, quinine, prussiate of iron, all 
neutralize this principle, and to that extent, are remedies 
for the fevers, and nervous disorders they engender. Ma- 
larial poison acts specially upon the nervous system, and 
to this is due the intermittent type, and the many nervous 
diseases, as a result of this poison. 

Treatment. — To prevent the development of malarial 
disease, when you have been exposed, take an active dose 
of the Eclectic pills, and the following every two hours : 

R. Tinct. gelseminum. 1 oz. 

Tinct. aconite J 

Dose, thirty to forty drops, in water. Give three times 
a day, five grains of sulphite of soda, dissolved in water. 

MARASMUS. 

Tubercles deposited upon the mesenteric glands of the 
bowels, are the cause of marasmus. This effusion upon 
any part of the body is inimical to proper assimilation 
and nutrition of the body. 

There is great depression of vital force in this, as in all 
other tubercular deposits, and the elaboration, or throw- 
ing off of an excess of albumen from the blood, is a grand 
predisposing cause. 

Diarrhoea, cholera, inflammation, dysentery, etc., are 
the exciting causes. 

Treatment. — In all cases of marasmus, we have nothing 
equal to the hypophosphites. If the case is not beyond 
reach, we shall soon obtain good results from the admin- 
istration of this agent. The curd-like vomiting, the green 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 219 

discharges from the bowels, and other symptoms, soon dis- 
appear. A valuable, in fact, indispensable adjunct, is 
juice of beef, milk, white of eggs. 

Salt water baths are excellent, and should be resorted to 
daily. We may give, in connection with the hypophos- 
phites, the following, as a tonic, etc.: 

R. Fluid ext. nux vomica 1 dr. 

Fluid ext. Leptandrin 1 dr. 

Fluid ext, Licorice 2 

Dose, ten drops in water, after meals. 
MORBID THIRST. 

The symptoms of this is an intense craving for stimulat- 
ing beverage, with great depression, and extreme restless- 
ness — a common symptom of delirium tremens, and caused 
from continued use of alcohol, and induration of the brain, 
as a result. Induration leads to an impoverished condition 
of the nerve centre. The same poison operates deleteriously 
on the liver, and kidneys, causing fatty degeneration. 
Dropsy may result ; at any rate, the same poison is a me- 
chanical and chemical irritant to the stomach, and to this 
we attribute inflammation, and congestion. The same 
poison stimulates the heart to over-action, consequent ex- 
haustion ; combine all these morbid conditions with the 
habit, and we have a thirst difficult to control, due alike 
to degrading vice, and morbid secretion of all the organs, 
whose functions are to secrete, and carry off impurities of 
the blood. 

To this we may attribute the fact, that very few con- 
firmed drunkards ever reform, or leave off drinking, but 
the thirst, the appetite, the desire for drink increases, until 
they suffer indescribable tortures when they attempt to ab- 
stain. 

Treatment. — Abstinence from intoxicating liquors. If 
it has gone so far as for this to appear impossible, large 
doses of gelseminum — 

R. Fluid ext. gelseminum 2 dr. 

Fluid ext. humulin 4 dr. 



220 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Dose, thirty drops every three hours. If you do not 
succeed with this, give — 

R. Tinct. hyosciamus, s l aa 

Aconite / J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops every two hours. Nourishing diet, 
and, at night, give tinct. cannabis indica — ten drops in 
water. As an ounce of preventative is worth a pound of 
cure, we would admonish our readers to beware of the 
tempter, and avoid reaching that point where treatment is 
demanded. 

MOUTH. 

The mucous membrane of the mouth is the seat of va- 
rious kinds of small ulcers, troublesome, indeed. Simple 
ulcers, cancerous, cancrum oris, eruptions, etc 

Treatment. — Improve the condition of the stomach, 
keep the bowels regular, and the skin acting. Phosphorus, 
in the form of the hypophosphites, is excellent — a teaspoon- 
ful before each meal. If the ulceration is severe, touch 
the afflicted part with nitric acid, and then wash with : 

R. Sulphite soda 10 grs. 

Water 4 oz. 

Wash the mouth well twice a day. In most cases with 
which we meet the following is sufficient. 

R. Sulphate hydrastis 10 grs. 

• Water 8 oz. 

Wash the affected part every three hours, or : 

R. Brewer's yeast 1 tablespoonful. 

Fluid ext. wild indigo 20 drops. 

Apply to the ulcer once or twice a day. 

MUSCULAR DISEASES. 

May arise from a variety of causes, and assume a variety 
of forms. Atrophy, or wasting of muscles, is most com- 
mon, and comes from two opposite causes, over work, or 
inactivity ; two much use or not enough. The defect is 
the same in both cases — a want of renewal. In over- work 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 221 

this want of renewal is from sheer exhaustion, and in inac- 
tivity, no surplus muscular substance is laid up, and in both 
cases degeneration, or atrophy, is the result. 

The symptoms of atrophy is soft, friable muscles, pale, 
and destitute of contractile power, and if not corrected, 
this soon becomes chronic, and the muscles degenerate into 
a fatty substance. 

Treatment. — Rest, animal food, nutritious, and in just 
such quantities as the patient can take. 

R. Tinct. cinchona comp 8 oz. 

Nitro muriatic acid 1 

Syrup simplex 7 

Mix, shake well, and give a teaspoonful before each 
meal. After meals give the hypophosphites, soda, lime 
and iron, teaspoonful half hour after eating. Bathe in salt 
water, take just enough exercise, not too much nor too 
little. 

The above will restore all recent cases. 

MYALGIA. 

Pain of the muscular system, without inflammation, or 
other well defined symptoms of disease, is often met with 
It is a kind of disease a patient lays before his physician ; 
the physician doubts his veracity, and the patient doubts 
his physician's ability ; he feels the pain, cannot show the 
sign, and so both are mistaken in part. It sometimes 
arises from fatigue ; you find children who have walked 
far, played all day, suffer so intensely they cannot sleep at 
night. 

It is, also, met with in affections of the blood, scurvy, 
cancer, etc. Debility and fatigue are the principal causes 
These pains are always independent of the course of the 
nerves, aggravated by depressing influences. All agents 
calculated to raise the standard of vitality will do good. 

Treatment. — Rest is all important; tonics, nourish- 
ment, etc., meet the indications of most cases. 



222 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The treatment directed in the preceding article ; and 
to the affected muscle apply — 

R. Tinct. arnica ^| 

Tinct. veratrum 1 aa 

Tinct. aconite f 2 oz. 

Tinct. belladonna J 

Tinct. chloroform 1 oz. 

Mix well, rub in, or apply on flannel. Hot salt water 
bath is valuable. 

MYELITIS. 

This is excited by wounds, contusions, damp, cold, etc. 
Tendency is to terminate in softening. The symptoms are 
constant and severe pain in the back, increased by motion, 
spasmodic contraction, or rigidity of muscles, followed by 
paralysis, fever, diminished secretions, etc. 

The pain is increased by heat or the application of hot 
cloths, etc. We may have connected with it, deep-seated 
headache, convulsive movement, inarticulation, lock-jaw, 
difficulty of swallowing and breathing. The action of the 
heart is irregular, paralysis in some form. 

Death sometimes occurs from cessation of respiratory 
nerves. The inflammation, if limited to the portion near 
the head, will produce difficulty of swallowing, impossi- 
bility of raising the head, difficulty of breathing, a sensa- 
tion of pins and needles in the upper extremities. The 
symptoms vary according to the part involved. If the dis- 
ease is seated in the middle of the spine, we have pain in 
that part affected, numbness in fingers and toes, convulsive 
twitching movement of trunk, paralysis of lower extremi- 
ties, etc. If the lumbar region is affected, we have paraly- 
sis of the limbs, retention of urine, involuntary stools, etc. 

Treatment. — Counter irritants along the spine, cup- 
ping, and apply the irritating plaster, give — 

R. Podophyllin 1 gr. 

Leptandrin 2 gr. 

Sugar of milk 2 gr. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 228 

Give the whole at night. Equalize the circulation by- 
giving— 

R. Tinct. serpentaria J oz. 

Tinct. aconite \ oz. 

Tinct. asclepias \ oz. 

Dose, 30 drops in water, after each meal. Follow 
with — 

R. Comp. syrup stillingia .8 oz. 

Iodide potass ..J oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. Softening of 
the cord is more common than atrophy, or degeneration. 

Symptoms. — Numbness in the extremities, a sense of 
pain in the back, local tenderness on pressure, gradual loss 
of sensation in the limb The recovery from spinal soft- 
ening is rare, and only effected by diligent treatment 

The best remedies we have are the hypophosphites, salt- 
water bathing, friction, bracing tonics, good diet. These, 
if they do not cure, will retard the progress of the disease 

MUSCLE VOLITANTES. 

This is little specks floating before the eyes, black spots 
flying over the field of vision ; are produced by movable 
floating bodies near the retina. Always due to debility, 
those specks are nothing more than effusion. The removal 
of the debility, the fresh air of the country, tonics, atten- 
tion, etc., are all that is necessary. 

NJEVUS. 

A tumor formed from irritated arteries or veins, begins 
in some cases in youth. The vessel is enlarged, elongated 
and tortuous, forming an irregular shaped tumor. The 
arterial tumor is compressible and pulsating ; tumors of 
veins are irregular and pulsating, of a purple color, doughy 
to the feel, and dented by pressure. Capillary is most 
common, and consists of vivid red spots. We have three 
plans of treatment. 

Treatment. — Inject a few drops of tinct. chloride of iron 



224 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

into the tumor, other astringents will do as well, but this 
is the easiest managed. This will excite coagulation, and 
nature will do the balance, and absorb the contents of the 
sack. If we fail, or object to the first, then our second 
mode is to protect adjacent parts, and then apply caustic 
potash to the tumor, afterward dress v* ith vinegar and elm 
poultice. 

The third plan is removal by knife, or ligature ; never 
resorted to by myself while we have other and safer plans. 
Should the general health be involved we would give the 
tine. (Huxams) of cinchona and phosphorous, before each 
meal, to give tone to the nervous system. Under a treat- 
ment of this kind, you will soon have your patient res- 
tored. 

NASAL POLYPUS. 

Nasal polypus, though apparently a local trouble, is no 
doubt due to some constitutional defect. It appears in the 
form of an elongated tumor, protruding from the mucous 
membrane of the nose. It may vary, some days protru- 
ding, while in others it will scarcely be in sight. 

We have three varieties — gelatinous, fibrous and medul- 
lary. In some cases it commences from a swelling of the 
membrane, and gradually enlarges, and fills the nostril, 
and interferes with the breathing through the one not af- 
fected. Other cases appear as a sequel to a carious bone. 
The gelatinous tumors are soft, resembling an oyster, and 
bleeds on the slightest touch. The fibrous are hard, com- 
pact, and the medulary, soft, like brains. 

Polypus produces a feeling as though there was a foreign 
body in the nostril; and irresistible desire to blow the 
nose, increased mucous discharge, deformity of cheek, 
changed voice, partial deafness. They are very apt to re- 
turn, if merely removed with forceps. 

Treatment. — I have treated a great many cases, and 
never resort to snipping them off or cutting. All cases of 
gelatinous polypus may be readily removed by snuffing 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 225 

up pulverized blood root. It may be used several times a 

day, and when the nose is too sore to continue, you can 

leave it off for a few days — two or three days will usually 

suffice. In addition to that, give - 

R. Comp. syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass . , 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

R. Cinchona 1 oz. 

Alnus rub i oz. 

it z 

Iris versicol J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops in water, after each meal. 
Keep the whole body under good hygienic regime, and 
you will not have a return of polypus. 

NECROSIS. 

The result of inflammation and decay of bone. It is to 
the bone what mortification is to the muscles. Necrosis 
is usually restricted to the solid portion of the long bones ; 
caries is the term employed for the soft or spongy bones. 

Syphilis, scrofula and mercury are the predisposing 
causes of inflammation of the bone, the exciting cause is 
mechanical irritation. 

Treatment. — Free incision — removal of the portion dis- 
eased. To arrest the decay, inject, with a solution of ses- 
qui-carbonate of potass, one fourth ounce to a quart of 
water — inject one to three ounces at a time. After using 
the potass wash, dress with the salve, directed under the 
head of black salve. Give a blood purifying treatment, 
something to build up the general system, as — 

R, Syrup yellow dock 1 pt. 

Iodide potass \ oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. A good, nutri- 
tious diet, salt-water baths, etc., will complete the treat- 
ment. 

NEPHRITIS. 

Inflammation of the kidneys is known by this term and 



226 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

is, really, a very common disease, more so than most peo- 
ple or physicians ever admit. The office of the kidneys is 
the secretion of urine, a function so important that should 
they entirely fail, death speedily follows. It naturally fol- 
lows that disease of the kidneys is always alarming to 
some extent. 

Symptoms. — Inflammation of the kidneys is attended 
with deep seated pain in the small of the back. It may 
be confined to one side, or both kidneys may be involved ; 
the pain sometimes extends down the inside of the thighs. 
Change of position, pressure, etc., increases the pain. The 
urine is generally scanty, high colored, may be bloody, is 
always albuminous, and, upon standing, we will find pus 
and mucus at the bottom. The general symptoms are 
fever, rigors, nausea, vomiting, and constipation of bowels. 

The disease may terminate in resolution, suppuration, 
induration, or gangrene. In acute cases, the duration is 
from six to nine days, when one of the above terminations 
take place. 

Resolution is most to be desired, and when that takes 
place, we have a gradual return of all the functions to a 
healthy standard, indicated by increased secretion of urine, 
perspiration, subsidence of pain, ability to lie upon the 
affected side. 

When suppuration takes place, we have a general sub- 
siding of pain with rigors, shivering, and throbbing in the 
region of the kidneys, pus in the urine, a numb feeling in 
the side affected, and we may, on pressure over the kidneys, 
detect fluctuation in the parts. 

Causes. — This may be due to mechanical violence, con- 
tinued exposure to cold or wet, with ingestion of sub- 
stances, which have the property of irritating the kidneys. 
Some people in the country take large doses of oil of 
turpentine, which often irritate the kidneys, producing 
strangury and inflammation. Cantharides, or blisters, used 
by the allopathic fraternity, are sometimes taken up and 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 227 

cause irritation of kidneys. Retention of urine, and giving 
way, or spreading out of the cavity of the kidneys, will 
produce inflammation, stricture of the urethra, gravel, etc., 
are among the causes. In chronic inflammation we have 
the same symptoms, but in a milder form than the acute 
stage. 

Treatment — In treating inflammation of the kidneys, 
acute, we know nothing equal to cold, salt water, apply it 
cold, and renew as often as your towel becomes hot ; con 
tinue this until the temperature is almost natural, then 
give: 

R. Tinct. aconite fol 1 aa 

Tinct. gelsem... J J oz. 

Dose, 20 drops every three hours until the fever has 
subsided. Give a drink of slippery elm water. Remem- 
ber your local, cold application, perfect rest, and you will, 
with this simple treatment, overcome one of the most 
formidable of diseases when badly managed. If we could 
not get gelseminum, and aconite, we would give lobelia, 
30 drops, every three hours, but the first is the best. 
NEPHRALGIA. 

This depends upon the passage of gravelly concretion 
through the ureters, and is one of the most painful affec- 
tions to which the human race is subject. The pain usually 
commences immediately on the concretion leaving the kid- 
neys, and never ceases until it passes into the bladder. 
During its passage, a pain of the most excruciating nature 
is felt in the loins, passing through the groin, or abdomen, 
causing retraction of the organs. The pain comes on in 
paroxysms, with intervals of ease. Vomiting, small and 
feeble pulse, profuse perspiration, and a constant and ur- 
gent desire to pass urine, but all efforts are usually futile 
until the stone reaches the bladder, then the pain suddenly 
ceases. The sudden coming on, and paroxysmal character 
of the pains, are our best diagnosis. There is seldom any 
fever attending. 
15 



228 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Treatment. — Apply warm fomentiatons of lobelia over 
the region of the kidneys, and give ten drops of fluid ext. 
of gelseminum every hour, until the pain is relieved, and 
the effect of the medicine is felt on the eye. This will 
suffice to relieve almost every case. 

BRIGHT'S DISEASE OF THE KIDNEYS. 

The degeneration of the kidneys in various forms has 
been classed under this head. The most common is a de- 
generation into fat. 

This degenerated condition, impairs the secreting powers 
so that the urea, or uric acid, is not separated from the 
blood. The flow of the urine is retarded, hence we have 
albumen and fibrine predominating in the urine. The pri- 
mary cause is not in the kidneys, but in the blood, and the 
kidneys become secondarily affected. Then, in dealing 
with this disease, we must look to the blood for the real 
essence of the affection. 

We shall there find the effect produced by disease, by 
the taking of noxious drugs, arrested secretions of the skin. 
Nature, striving to eliminate, or throw off the poison thus 
accumulated through one or more of the secretories of the 
system, and always selecting the most appropriate channel, 
the kidneys become, in this case, involved. In small-pox 
the effort is through the skin, hence, we have pustular 
eruption, loaded with poison. If that fails the kidneys 
suffer. In scarlet fever the natural channel is the skin, 
mucous membrane of the throat, and intestinal canal. 

Here again, if the vital powers are feeble, and unable to 
perform their functions, the kidneys have an extra amount 
of labor. So in measles, erysipelas, and the whole train of 
skin diseases, the kidneys usually have to bear the brunt 
of conveying off the poison engendered. 

The inflammatory form of Bright's disease may be acute 
or chronic, and may present all the symptoms of inflam- 
mation. It may assimilate, or take on the appearance of 
the chronic form, but, upon a chemical examination of the 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 229 

urine, it will be found albuminous, or containing albumen, 
which is a characteristic of Bright's disease. The waxey 
form in patients predisposed to consumption. We have, 
in this form of the disease, dropsical swellings; and a pecu- 
liar, emaciated appearance of the patient, with a small 
amount of sediment, of the waxey kind, is our chief diag- 
nostic sign. The fatty form, I may say, is the most com- 
mon, and is often met with in advanced life, and in patients 
suffering from cardiac, or bronchial affections, and in those 
who have been addicted to over-indulgence in alcoholic 
drinks. 

Dropsy, and a predominance of albuminaria are always 
present. The urine contains oily, or fatty sediments. 

Causes. — Poison from drugs, alcoholic stimulants, long 
continued fevers, irritants which excite inflammation, may, 
after a time, so weaken the organs as to to take on chronic 
inflammation, etc. 

There may be infiltration, or effusion of lymph, leaving 
the kidneys thickened and hard. 

This may continue for a number of years, until some- 
thing, in the way of a depressing influence, occurs to start 
up the disease. In other words, where the predisposition, 
and poisonous elements exist, anything calculated to de- 
press the vital powers may develop fatty degeneration. 

Treatment. — In the treatment of this disease, nearly 
every school of practice makes miserable failures. 

Hydropathy, with its water, and low diet, soon makes 
a final end of disease, and patient, at once. 

Homeopathy, with its high potencies, and decimal doses, 
effects nothing. Allopathy, with its poisons, etc., adds 
fuel to the flames. Botanic, and Thomsonian, sweat, vomit 
and dose, until the little remaining vitality is gone. No- 
where then, can one look for speedy, and permanent relief, 
except to the educated Eclectic, and, unfortunately, they 
often fail from misdirected remedies. 

We must, to accomplish anything, act through the 



THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

blood, improve the quality, and increase the quantity. 
Blood and nerve tonics, diuretics, etc., properly adminis- 
tered, are good. Care, as to diet, using such only as do 
not tend to produce fat 

We should prescribe plenry r of animal food, eggs, fish, 
salt water baths. Diaphoretics', and diuretics, are idispen- 
sable, and should be resorted to in ever}' case. In the acute 
form, we should commence with tinct. aconite, say, fifteen 
drops every three hours, and warm fomentations over the 
liver; diaphoretics, and diuretics, compound tinct serpen- 
taria. thirty drops three times a day. We must pay strict 
attention to diet, prohibiting all fat, or articles likely to 
produce fat ; also, avoid acids, or anything likely to pro- 
duce acidity. 

In all cases we should give the most nutritious diet, as 
beef, rare steaks are best ; fish, eggs, milk, salt water 
bathing, etc. We have, probably, no remedial agent supe- 
rior to the following in these diseases : 

R. Cinchonacomp.tr 8 oz. 

Xitro muriatic acid 1 oz. 

Syraf] 7 oz. 

Mix. and give a teaspoonful before each meal. After 
meals, give the syrup of hypophosphites teaspoonful dose. 
Use this course one week, then, if the improvement is not 
r:-z : .i. ^ive — 

R. Fluid ext eupatorium 1 

Plaid est hydrangea. 4 

Fluid ext. Buchu 2 

Holland gin 9 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. At the same 
time give — 

R. Gallicacid 1 gr. 

Port wine J gill. 

Give three times a day after meals. Avoid all excess, 
or undue excitement mental and physical. Keep the body 
well clothed, and pay close attention to salt water baths, etc. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 231 

Under a course of this kind the disease can be retarded, 
and if the vital power is not too feeble, entire recovery 
may result. 

NEURALGIA. 

By this term we understand violent pains in the track, or 
branch of a nerve, occurring in paroxysms. It may attack 
all the nerves of the body, but the nerves of the head, 
trunk, or extremities, are more liable to its attacks. The 
most common seat of neuralgia is in the head, and facial 
nerves. It has several terms, or names, according to the 
nerves involved ; tic- douloureux, hemtcrania, and sciatica, 
are the most common. Neuralgia is an inflammatory con- 
dition of the nerve, and the cause may be central, or re- 
flected. It is a diseased condition, common in all periods, 
and countries, more common among females than males. 

Tic - douloureux. 

Like all nervous affections, is often hereditary, common 
among females near or past the middle of life. Constitu- 
tional, nervous irritation, chlorosis, hysteria, mental emo- 
tions, grief, menstrual irregularities, debilitating discharges, 
malaria, affections of the teeth, changes in the weather, 
etc., are the causes that give rise to it. This form is es- 
sentially an affection of the terminal branches of the fifth 
pair of tri-facial nerves. The disease may be constitu- 
tional, and affect the system generally, without apparent 
cause ; local, when seated in, or near, the affected part, ir- 
ritated by some foreign substance. No matter which nerve 
is affected the torture is extreme, pains occurring in parox- 
ysms, lancinating, burning attacks, generally preceded by 
deranged digestion, shortness of breath, slight rigors, fol 
lowed by heat, often due to dyspepsia, impoverished blood, 
kidney derangements, etc. 

Hemicrania. 

Headache — affecting one side of brain and forehead, 
a true neuralgia, affecting the whole system, more or less, 



232 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

by its intensity. We have a periodical attack, a boring 
pain, as if some instrument was penetrating the head. 
The paroxysms are often so severe as to effect the stomach, 
causing nausea and vomiting. The patient is very sensitive 
to light, noise, or a change of temperature. The causes 
are nervous, irritable, or hysteria constitution, sedentary 
labor, indigestion, torpid liver, menstrual derangement, etc. 

Sciatica. 

Acute pain, following the course of the great sciatic 
nerve. It extends from the hip down the posterior part of 
the thigh, to the space just back of the knee, and some- 
times down the leg to the foot. It may be due to pressure 
of intestinal accumulations, uterine tumors, but rheuma- 
tism, gout, or constitutional syphilis, is the most frequent 
cause. 

Treatment. — The treatment of neuralgia is very exten- 
sive. We have quite a large list of remedies. 

The first point, however, is to remove the cause; if it 
depends upon a decayed tooth, have that removed ; if upon 
an irritable ulcer, we must treat that first, or any source of 
irritation, rectifying the stomach, the liver, kidneys, and 
the skin, by proper remedies. Give a nourishing diet, warm 
clothing, flannel next to the skin, daily baths, friction to 
the surface. The following is among the best remedies : 

R. Syrup frostwort comp 1 pt. 

Iodide potass 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 

R. Tr. aconite fol 1 

Tr. serpentaria J 

Cannabis indica J 

Dose, 20 drops in water, every three hours until re- 
lieved. Chronic, long standing cases, will require a more 
extensive course of treatment. 

Regulate the bowels with the Eclectic pills. Avoid ex- 
posure. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 233 

NEURITIS. 

Neuritis, or inflammation of a nerve, is due to an injury 
of some nervous branch, or twig. It is indicated by in- 
tense and continued pain along the track of a nerve ; is ac- 
companied with great irritability and fever, especially at 
night, all of which occurs in paroxysms. Our treatment 
should be directed to the removal of the inflammation and 
local irritation. 

NIGHT SWEATS. 

Are usually the result of debility, and require special 
treatment, according to the case ; I have seldom failed to 
relieve them with the following: 

R. Fluid ext. populus... 2 oz. 

Fluid ext. wild cherry , 2 oz. 

Phosphoric acid 2 oz. 

Syrup 6 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. This is much 
safer, and equally as sure as aromatic sulphuric acid. 

OBESITY. 

This is an excessive deposit of fat, and may occur in one 
organ, or over the whole body — -it is really of no uncom- 
mon occurrence to meet with fatty deposits in one or more 
organs of the human system. In perfect health, fat forms 
one twentieth part of the body, but it may be increased by 
a full diet of fatty substances, as sugar, alcoholic or malt 
liquors used freely, these increase fat more rapidly in per- 
sons whose vital powers are already low, but appetite either 
impaired, or over-stimulated by artificial means. 

The formation of blood does not take place so readily, 
or perfectly as in health, and, as a consequence, we have a 
tendency to formation of adipose matter. An excessive, 
and extra accumulation of fat is one of the surest evidences 
of waning vitality. Persons of a lymphatic temperament 
accumulate fat very rapidly, especially if left to high living, 
and little exercise. 



234 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Persons of this class have small arteries, as they have 
less blood. The breathing is difficult, and imperfect ; they 
are dull, sleepy, very susceptible to disease. Dyspepsia, 
constipation, are common to them ; they have but little 
muscular power, and are incapable of exercise to an amount 
sufficient to keep them in health. This condition continu- 
ing, fat accumulates ; the demand for blood to fill the 
weakened arteries, and the deficient supply of that import- 
ant fluid, will soon bring about disease, or atrophy of im- 
portant organs. 

In obesity, the heart is most likely to suffer from the 
tendency to fatty deposits, and dilation of cavities, and de- 
generation of muscular fibres. 

The heart becomes weak, partly from inaction, or want 
of balance between the systomic, and pulmonary circula- 
tion. T he lungs are unequal to the task of throwing off an 
excessive amount of carbon, and thus, from day to day, 
the blood becomes more and more venous, unfit for nutri- 
tion, producing congestion, and dilation of the heart. The 
over accumulation of fat under the integuments, and around 
the viscera, is obesity, and does not amount to degenera- 
tion. 

It is a condition not conducive to longevity, so that 
those lean in flesh have a better prospect of a long life be- 
fore them. 

Causes. — It may be due to peculiarity of temperament, 
or feeding on particular articles that go to produce fat, in- 
activity, etc. It is all important to remove the cause first, 
then we get rid of the abundance of fat by proper reme- 
dies, and attention to diet, or rather, avoiding such articles 
as go to produce fat. We must put our fat patients on 
meats, white fish, green vegetables, and any diet that will 
supply nutrition without creating fat. We must avoid soup, 
buttermilk, beer, and sugar. 

Treatment. — A spare diet on the above line, and 
drachm dose of liquor potassia, three times a day, will soon 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 235 

remove the fat. We must not push this too far, or we may 
produce anaemia and debility; one pound a week is as far 
as we should go ; take care of the bowels, appetite and 
general system, and restrict sleep to seven hours, out of 
twenty- four. 

Vinegar is a remedy ; if judiciously used, it w T ill prevent 
fat, and diminish it very rapidly. It deteriorates the blood 
and, if used too freely, will produce dyspepsia, cramps, 
colic, and general debility, emaciation, etc. 

Bromide of ammonia, in appropriate doses, is excellent, 
20 grains to a half gill of water, before each meal. The 
carbonate of ammonia has some effect, also the different 
preparations of potassia. No matter what is used, it should 
be done with great caution. 

OES OPHAGEAL STRICTURE. 

Difficulty of swallowing, is sometimes caused by mechan- 
ical injuries, nervous irritation, foreign bodies in theoeso- 
phagous, and is often a sequel to diphtheria. If long con- 
tinued, it may produce apoplexy, suffocation and death. 

Treatment. — Give the following, and repeat as often as 
necessary ; 

R. Tinct lobelia 1 dr. 

Tinct. belladonna 1 dr. 

Dose, 40 drops, and repeat every half hour until the re- 
laxation is complete. 

ONYCHIA. 

Inflammation and suppuration of the root of the nails, 
may result from injuries, but is commonly met with in 
cachectic constitutions. The nail may be loosened, and we 
may have necrosis of the joint of finger or toe. 

Treatment. — When the nail is loosened, remove it, and 
apply— 

R. Permanganate potass 8 gr. 

Water 4 oz. 

Wash the affected part, then keep a cloth, or lint, satu- 
rated with : 



236 



THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 



R. Sulphite soda 40 grs. 

Water 4 oz. 

Where there is constitutional defects give comp syrup 
of yellow dock, in alteration with Huxam's tincture cinchona 
comp., after meals. 

ONYXIS. 

Ingrowing toe-nails are very painful, and troublesome, 
in some cases preventing locomotion. 

Treatment. — Trim the nail ; cut a notch in the centre 
in the form of a V. Then raise the nail, and introduce 
under it a piece of lint, saturated with sulphite of soda. 

OPTHALMIA TARSI. 

Inflammation of the roots of the eye-lashes ; dry the 
edges of the lids. We sometimes have pustular crusting, 
and matting of the eye-lashes together. It is usually de- 
pendent upon scrofulous diathesis, and can seldom be cured 
without constitutional means. Long neglected, it will 
destroy the hair follicles, and obliterate, or close up, the 
lachrymal ducts. 

Treatment. — The best remedial agents are such as will 
thoroughly purify the blood, and build up the whole system : 
R. Syrup hypophosphites soda, lime and iron. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. After meals 
give: 

R. Tr. cinchona ) aa 

Tr. hydrastis can j 1 oz. 

Tinct. nux vomica J oz. 

Dose, 20 drops in water after meals. Apply to the 
roots of the lashes : 

R. Iodoform 20 grs. 

R. Glycerine J oz. 

Shake well, and rub well into the lids. Under a treat- 
ment of this kind you will soon find relief. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 237 

OTALGIA. 

Ear-ache will make one feel as near miserable as any 
pain to which we are subject. 

It is produced by irritation of the auditory nerve, and 
though usually considered slight, or of little importance, 
it should have prompt attention, as deafness may, and 
often does, result from neglected irritation. If the ear- 
ache is due to neuralgia, then we must adopt the treatment 
directed under that head, but in ordinary cases give — 

R. Tr. aconite fol 1 dr. 

Tr. gelsem. sup 1 dr. 

Dose, twenty drops, in water, every half hour ; and apply- 
in the ear — 

R. Tr. aconite fol J oz. 

Tr. belladonna J 

Tr. glycerine £ 

Dose, one to three drops in the ear, and apply in the ear 
cotton, to protect it from the cold. 

ORTORKHCEA. 

Inflammation and ulceration of the ear is attended with 
a muco-puruleni discharge from the ear. We meet with it 
in all classes, but mainly in young children during teeth- 
ing, when we have great irritation reflected to the auditory 
nerves. We have inflammation which, if neglected, finally 
runs into ulceration, or effusion, and then, under ordinary 
treatment, we have a permanent discharge from the ear. 
Few, very few, practitioners succeed in curing ortorrhcea, 
from the fact that they look upon it as a local disease, and 
treat it on that principle, and yet we seldom find it exist- 
ing in a patient not of a scrofulous diathesis. Keeping this 
fact in view, our treatment will always start right and prove 
a success. 

We must remove all local irritation, as near as possible, 
then we must improve the general health by a nutritious 
diet animal food, milk, white of eggs, etc., etc. Salt- 



881 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

water baths daily, or tri -weekly, are of the utmost import- 

Interna'/ . t have nothing better than the hypophos- 
phites of soda, lime, and iron, prepared after the formula 
in another part of this book. It meets the indications 
nearer than anything I have ever tried. 

Locally I have usually succeeded in arresting the dis- 
charge with the following : 

R. Fluid ext. hamamelis. 



Myrica cerif V 



aa 



N ympha odor I 2 

Add a teaspoonful to a gill of water, inject the ear twice 
a day. It there seems to be thickening and hardne-f : 
ear, dissolve — 

R. Iodide potas s i oz. 

Water - :: 

Inject with this. When the discharge is free and offen- 
sive, use the following : 

R. Permanganate of potass .-2 gr. 

Aqua distil 1 oz. 

Wash the ear twice a day. With this treatment any 
ordinary case will yield, if of longer standing, chronic and 
obsti: ite apply :: ::.e laminar with file disease from prac- 
tical experience. If you neglect to keep the ear well 
washed, the cure will be prevented, or greatly retard e i 

: ::aluri \ . 

A morbid condition of the system, when the oxalic acid 
is detected in the urine, or rather oxalate of lime. This 
acid formation is found in the shape of octahedra, transpa- 
rent, but sometimes in shape of dumb bells. 

This rendition of the urine is met with in patients labor- 
ing under dyspepsia, hypochondria, and acute or chronic 
cutaneous disease, neuralgia, etc. 

Treatment. — Avoid the use of all articles that are easily 
converted into oxalic acid Sorrel, rhubarb, tomatoes, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 239 

pips of apples, sugar, etc. All drinks containing carbonic 
acid. Plenty of exercise in the open air. 

Rub the body well with a coarse towel, or sponge dip- 
ped in soda-water, or rather water in which soda has been 
dissolved, and internally would give — 

R. Citrate of quinine 10 gr. 

Citrate of ferri 50 gr. 

Mix, divide into 5 grain doses, and take one three times 
a day, before meals. This will usually relieve within a few 
weeks. Should acid continue to predominate in the system, 
the iodide of potass., in two grain doses, three times a day, 
will be advisable. 

OZAENA. 

Ulceration of the internal part of the nose, is due to 
scrofulous diathesis in most cases. The primary cause is 
inflammation of the schneiderm membrane, which, long 
neglected, runs into ulceration, and may terminate in necro- 
sis of the bone of the nose. 

Symptoms. — Profuse mucus, purulent discharge of offen- 
sive matter from the nasal cavity, formation of hardened 
mucous, or pus, which, if allowed to remain and decompose 
emits an offensive odor. Caries, or necrosis is apt to 
appear when complicated with syphilis. 

Treatment. — The predisposing causes are impurities of 
the blood, as scrofula, constitutional syphilis, etc. We 
must build up the general system by nourishing diet, salt- 
water baths, iron, phosphorus, etc., or the following : 

R. Syrup frostwort comp 1 pt. 

Iodide potass } oz. 

Various local remedies are recommended, but we seldom 
resort to local application, except in connection with 
constitutional measures. In connection with alteratives we 
would give — 

R. Fluid ext, myrica cer .1 

Hamamelis vir 1 

Add a teaspoonful to a gill of water, use as a wash with 



240 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

syringe, twice a day. If this does not heal the ulceration 
by— 

R. Iodoform...: 20 gr. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Mix, and apply to the ulcer twice a day. If the dis- 
charge is free and offensive, use — 

R. Permanganate potass 8 gr. 

Aqua 8 oz. 

Syringe the nostrils twice a day. 

PARASITE. 

For these troublesome pests, nothing is so sure as ben- 
zine. It will destroy all parasitic inhabitants of the human 
body, and destroy them surely and positively. Apply 
freely where the parasites are located. 

PARALYSIS. 

Partial, or total loss of voluntary motion or sensation. 
In some cases, both are destroyed. It usually comes on 
without coma, loss of consciousness, or impaired condition 
of the intellectual faculties. Memory seems to surfer most. 
It may result from, or follow apoplexy, disease or injury 
of spinal cord. We also have two species of paralysis — one 
when both motion and sense of feeling is lost, and another 
when only motion is paralyzed. Then we have general 
and partial paralysis — general when the whole body is ef- 
fected, and partial, when only a portion is involved. 

We have a hemiphlega, when one-half of the body is 
affected from head to foot ; paraphlegia, when only the 
lower half is involved. 

There are two opposite conditions that lead to paralysis : 
one is where there is too much blood to the cord, produc- 
ing congestion and cutting off the circulation in the ner- 
vous system. 

The other is where there is a deficient supply of blood 
to the cord. This being the case, it is of great importance 
to distinguish between them before treating a case. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 241 

Causes. — There is, also, two great primary, or predis- 
posing causes for paralysis — poisoning and exhaustion. 
Poisoning is generally due to specific mecurial treatment, 
the use of hair dyes (lead), syphilitic poisoning, bad food, 
tobacco. Exhaustion is generally the result of abuse of 
sexual passions, mental labor, carried to an excess ; excite- 
ments of every kind. 

The extent of the paralysis, is in direct ratio to the 
amount of poisoning, or exhaustion, or the extent of the 
parts affected. Paralysis, as a reflex action, is common in 
connection with disease of the kidneys, and bladder, teeth- 
ing, and intestinal irritation, sometimes, produce it. 

The cause always precedes the disease, and there appears 
to be no organic lesion, or alteration of the nerve centres. 
Symptoms. — Paralysis may occur suddenly, without pre- 
monitory symptoms, but usually there is a feeling of langour, 
heaviness, etc., before it comes on ; in some cases it is very 
gradual. The patient finds an inability to raise the toe 
from the ground ; there may be a sense of heaviness, prick- 
ing sensation, as of thousands of needles sticking the skin, 
final total loss of muscular power, and inability to bear 
weight on same. This may be confined to even one limb, 
or it may effect the whole body. It is all important to de- 
termine what condition of the circulation we have to con- 
tend with. When there is too much blood to the head we 
have cramps, irritation, and fullness. In treating this class 
we must avoid all remedies that tend to increase the flow 
of blood to the head or nerve centre. It is unnecessary 
for me to enter into full and minute description of paralysis 
under its many heads, or names. The symptoms are so 
well marked none can fail to recognize it. 

Treatment. — Where there is too much blood to the 
cord we should succeed best with ergot and iodide of potass. 
The following will be appropriate : 

R. Comp. syrup frostwort 1 pt. 

Iodide potass 1 oz. 



}* 



aa 



242 THE^AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal ; take in, 
say, half wineglass of water : 

R. Fluid extract ergot 2 dr. 

Fluid ext. belladonna 1 dr. 

Dose, 20 drops after each meal. Give at night tincture 
of cannabis indica, 20 drops, to procure sleep. Dry cups to 
the spine, with irritating plaster, will do good ; avoid 
strichnine, nux vomica, or electricity in these cases, as 
they make it much worse. In cases where the blood is 
impoverished, and the supply to the cord diminished, give * 

R. Hypophosphites soda 

Hypophosphites calcis , 

Hypophosphites ferri 

Syrup simplex 1 pt. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before meals; shake well. 

R. Fluid ext. nux vomica J 

Iris versicola \ 

Xanthoxylin \ 

Dose, 20 drops after each meal. 

Electro magnetism will do good in these case, as also, 
salt-water baths, or shampooing to spine and affected 
limbs. 

Under a treatment of this kind, with exercise in moder- 
ation, if there is any vitality left, we shall soon find im- 
provement. 

Paralysis, at best, is very hard to control, and we must 
have both patience and perseverance if we succeed at all. 

PAROTITIS, OR MUMPS. 

This is a specific, contagious inflammation of the parotid 
gland, comes on with a chilly sensation, then fever, and 
lasts but a few days. It is often attended with pain in 
back and limbs, with hard, swollen, painful condition of 
one, or both, parotid glands ; usually runs its course in 
ten days. 

The disease is sometimes transferred to mammary glands, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 243 

or testes, and is sometimes in sympathy with the brain. 
Treatment. — There is but little danger, and very simple 
treatment only is required. A gentle purgative with some 
warm tea, or the following will suffice : 

R. Tinct. aconite fol Joz. 

Tinct. belladonna \ oz. 

Dose, 15 drops every three hours. Give in the interval 
15 drops of comp. tinct. serpentaria. Repeat -every three 
hours. Apply tepid water to throat. 

PEDICULI. 

The following is very effectual in destroying these : 

R. Green lobelia leaves Jib. 

Lard sufficient to cover. 
Boil half hour, strain, and apply twice a day. 

PEMPHRAGUS. 

This is a non-contagious skin disease, consisting of large, 
round, or oval vesicles, two or more inches in diameter, 
and filled with serum of an alkaline nature. They mature, 
burst, and dry away, leaving a brown, dry scab or crust, 
which continues to appear and drop oft for months. It 
may run into ulceration, if not relieved in due time. 

Three or four weeks time is required for it to run a nat- 
ural course in a good constitution. 

Cause. — Deprivation, want of sufficient nutrition, and 
general debility of the system, from impure and impover- 
ished condition of the blood. 

Treatment. — Regulate the secretions of the whole sys- 
tem with alteratives and tonics. The compound syrup of 
hypophosphites before meals, with — 

R. Fluid ext. serpentaria \aa 1 oz 

Fluid ext. asclepias J 2 

Dose, 30 drops in water after each meal. 
The diet is all important. Locally, bi-carbonate of soda, 
one drachm to a pint of water, apply three or four times a 



244 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

day. This will cut short, and cure, most every case of this 
troublesome disease. 

PERICARDITIS. 

The pericardieaum is a thin membrane, that envelopes the 
heart. Inflammation of this membrane, is but a local man- 
ifestation of constitutional disease. 

In an extensive practice of many years, I have found 
most so called heart diseases to be traceable to this one 
condition. 

Symptoms. — The symptoms of acute pericarditis are, 
fever, pain at, and radiating from, the heart, tenderness, and 
soreness on pressure over the cardiac region. We have 
rapid yet feeble pulse, anxiety, delirium, hacking cough, 
coldness, and palor, or livid skin, and swelling of the feet. 
We have three stages of pericarditis — acute inflammation, 
adhesion, and effusion. 

Before adhesion, there is exageration of the heart im- 
pulse, and we have sensation of the friction communicated 
to the head, feels somewhat like rubbing two pieces of 
brown paper over each other, and the sound is the same 
regular friction, like a grating murmur. When effusion 
lakes place, we have extension of dullness over the heart, 
muffled sound on applying the ear to the chest, grating 
or friction sound disappears as soon as effusion takes place. 
We can hardly mistake pericarditis for pleurisy, or endo- 
carditis. There are same symptoms, the friction sounds 
for instance, but you seem to almost feel them just next 
the ear, in pericarditis are more, also, they do not keep 
time with the cardiac sound. The friction sound in pleu- 
risy is single, and dullness extends further over and around 
the side. 

Treatment. — The treatment, in acute cases, must be en- 
ergetic and effective. Give a dose of the Eclectic pills — 
sufficient to act. If they do not act soon, give citrate of 
magnesia. Keep the temperature of the room to 70°, and 
give— 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 245 

R. Tinct. digitalis. ^| 

Fluid ext. asclepias Vaa J oz. 

Serpentaria J 

Dose, twenty drops every three hours until relieved. 
You should keep the patient in bed until the pain and 
irritation has disappeared. 

If effusion has taken place, we must rely upon diuretics 
and tonics. 

Chronic pericarditis is best treated with alteratives and 
tonics. Keep the patient from exposure to cold and damp. 
As an alterative in all affections of the heart, we would 
give, comp. syrup of yellow dock — one teaspoonful before 
each meal. 

Prunis vir ^j 

Asclepias Vaa J oz. 

Serpentaria J 

Mix, and give twenty drops in water, after meals. Keep 
the bowels well regulated, and give at night — 

R. Tinct. digitalis. J oz. 

Tinct. aconite } oz. 

Dose, fifteen drops in water, just before retiring. Use 
a bath of salt-water, or alkalies, once or twice a week. 
Under the patient application of these remedies, there will 
soon be a marked change. 

PERIOSTITIS. 

Inflammation of the membrane that covers the bone. 
Periostitis may result from bruises, syphilis, rheumatism, 
and scrofula. Sharp, lancinating, deep-seated pain ; is 
always worse at night, great tenderness on pressure. There 
is usually thickening of the inflamed part. There is always 
more or less constitutional disturbances in periostitis. 

We have rigors, extreme restlessness, and mental depres- 
sion. Rigors indicate suppuration, or the formation of 
pus. 

Treatment. — This will depend upon the cause. If peri- 
ostitis result from a bruise, perfect rest and a lotion of the 
following, constantly applied, may arrest the disease : 



246 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

R. Tr. arnica 1 dr. 

Belladonna 1 dr. 

Tr. solut. carbolic acid 1 dr. 

Keep constantly applied. Keep the bowels open with 
a mild cathartic. If the disease is a result of constitutional 
syphilis, we would give the comp. syrup of frostwort, with 
iodide potass., say, a teaspoonful before each meal. After 
meals, give — 

R. Alnus rub ^| 

Corydalis for >, 

Ins versicola ) 2 

Nitro-muriatic acid baths; one pound of the nitro-muri- 
atic acid to twenty gallons of water, rub well When it 
results from mercury, our main reliance is in the above, 
with lotion of iodide of potass. 

If we have a case in the early stage, the most active 
course of counter-irritants will be advisable. Apply a 
poultice of cayene pepper over the affected limb. 

PERITONITIS. 

This is one of the most serious affections that could affect 
the human body, and view it in whatever light we may, it 
is quite a serious matter. We have several varieties, as, 
idiopathic, tubercular, traumatic, and puerperal. 

Cause. — Exposure to wet, cold, blows, the puerperal 
condition. 

Symptoms. — Extreme tenderness over the bowels, in- 
creased by pressure, and movement, great feverish ex- 
citement. The patient assumes a position on the back, 
with knees drawn up. Abdomen is tight, hot, and the 
patients tongue is deeply furred, brown appearance, nausea, 
vomiting, constipation, dry skin, rapid, small, wiry pulse, 
hurried respiration, hiccough. The countenance assumes 
a peculiar, sunken, dejected appearance, nostrils dilated, 
breath hurried and difficult. Sometimes the inflammation 
gives way, and leaves an enlarged condition of the abdomen 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 247 

from effusion of serum. If a fatal termination is about to 
occur, the abdomen swells to enormous size, the pulse is 
thready ; the countenance assumes a ghastly hue, cold, 
clammy, sweats, exhaustion, and death. 

Treatment. — No disease requires such an active course 
of treatment. We should confine the patient to a recum- 
bent position in bed. Apply poultices of flaxseed, or 
slippery-elm, large enough to cover the affected part. 
Make it light, and cover with oil silk, to keep in the mois- 
ture. Change frequently. Internally : 

R. Comp. tr. serpentaria 2 oz. 

Tr. verat. viride 80 drops. 

Dose, one half teaspoonful every hour until the pulse is 
at 70°, then keep it there. Opium is our next best, and 
may relieve. There is no disease where I do not hesitate 
to prescribe opium, except in peritonitis. Give, say, the 
following : 

R. Pulverized opii 15 grs. 

Dover's powder 45 grs. 

Nitrate potass 40 gr. 

Make thirty powders, and give one every half hour, until 
the urgency of the symptoms has subsided ; do not stop 
until the pain is relieved. Cathartics, or purgatives are 
never advisable after the first few hours. When there is 
nausea, and vomiting, give milk, and lime water. The 
diet should be milk and lime water, or brandy and milk, 
brandy and eggs, pure air, rest — avoid even the weight of 
the bedclothes over the abdomen. 

PHARYNGITIS. 
Inflammation of the pharynx is very troublesome, and 
sometimes attended with great difficulty of swallowing. 
In cases of this kind give : 

R. Chloride potass 3 dr. 

Permanganate potass 1 dr. 

Sulphite of soda 2 dr. 

Water 1 pt. 

Dose, one tablespoonful every hour. 



248 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

PHLEBITIS. 

Once a very common disease, especially when bleeding 
was resorted to for every disease, inflammation of the vein 
was a common result. It is rarely met with now. and is 
usually due to an abrasion scratch, or irritation, upon 
which some poisonous matter has come in contact. 

Treatment.- — No matter to what cause the inflammation 
is due. there is no remedy like sulphite of soda. Give. 
say, 10 gis., three times a day. bromide of ammonia, say 
5 grains before each meal, and the sulphite half hour after 
meals. Give beef tea. egg, cream, etc. Locally, paint 
over the corded vein with creasote, or carbolic acid, until 
white, then poultice with flax-seed, and a cure is soon ef- 
fected. 

PHOSPHATIC DIATHESIS. 

Or white gravel, is met with where the urine is deficient 
in acidity, and where the alkaline principle predominates. 
We have it where potass, predominates, as also where 
ammonia predominates. This is due to decomposition of 
urea : we have white gravel formed and deposited. 

Healthy urine is formed of a certain oer centage of phos- 
phate of magnesia in solution : decomposition of urea will 
cause a portion of the ammonia to combine with phosphate 
of magnesia, and form a triple salt. insoluble in alkaline urine- 
This conditio-, is met with mainly in sallow, languid, un- 
healthy patients, whose vital powers have been depressed 
by mental anxiety, or over-work, sexual excesses, insuffi- 
cient food, etc. 
Treatment. — Generous iiet. give as a tonic: 

R. Tr. cinchona comp 4 oz. 

Xitro-munatic acid , J oz. 

Syrup simplex. 3i oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. After meals 
give : 

R. Fluid ext. hydrangea 2 oz. 

Fluid ext. eupatorium 2 oz. 

Sambucus 2 oz. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 249 

Dose, half teaspoonful half hour after meals. At night 
give: 

R. Tr. gelsem ~ J 

Tr. aconite J 

Dose, 20 drops before retiring. 

PHTHISIS. 

This is a diseased condition of the blood dependent upon 
impairment of the brain, or nervous system. If the nerve 
centres are feeble, we have an impaired, or degenerated 
condition of the blood, because that system controls or- 
ganic life, and the elaboration of that fluid. Where the 
nervous system is impaired, weak and exhausted, there is 
always an excess of white, or albuminous, blood coupled 
with this condition, naturally weak lungs, severe colds, caus- 
ing constant irritation, and this albumen, or white blood, 
throws off its watery portions by absorption, the solid parts 
coming together form what is known as tubercle. 

Now, tubercle is a substance of a cheesy appearance, 
and when formed in the lungs, causes destruction of the 
air-cells around each formation. This is the condition of 
the lungs in every case of tubercular consumption. This 
consumption may be hereditary or acquired. Tubercles 
are not confined to the lungs, but may be formed on the 
brain, if there is irritation there, or in the lymphatic, if 
they are irritated, in the mesenteric glands, if there be ex- 
citement there, and in the lungs only, when there is too 
great determination of blood to that point, which condi- 
tion may be brought about by colds, inhaling dust, or the 
breath of those laboring under consumption of the lungs. 

Tubercle found in the brain produces softening, and death 
soon results. When found in the lymphatic glands, we 
have scrofulous enlargement, ulcers, etc. When deposited 
in the mesenteric glands, we have marasmus, or consump- 
tion of the bowels, etc. 

Consumption of the lungs, is what we propose to notice 
here. The disease is usually ushered in with general de- 




-j.zz '. : : _;.i:: : - :_i._- 



T.-t 




OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 251 

results, has been long looked upon as incurable. Under 
the old treatment, death is only hastened by medicines. 
Being a disease of low vitality, anything that debilitates 
feeds the disease. 

Symptoms. — These are so numerous that space will not 
allow me to enumerate them all. Debility, loss of appetite, 
dyspeptic symptoms, cough, haemoptisis, expectoration, 
accelerated pulse, fever, difficulty of breathing, loss of 
flesh, sweating, diarrhoea, weakness of voice ; dull, aching 
pain under collar bones. Tubercular deposits are more nu- 
merous, in left than right lung, because the excess of blood 
is always nearest the heart. 

Cough and expectoration are always met with in lung 
consumption ; dry at first, but as the disease progresses 
awhile, mucous is discharged, which, in time, gives .way to 
the discharge of flakes of thick, yellow matter, etc. When 
a cavity has been formed in the lungs, the cough is hollow, 
and vitrating. Loss of appetite is one of the worst 
symptoms, for, upon the taking of nutritious food, and the 
ability to digest the same, all our hopes of success, depend. 
Hectic fever, preceded by a kind of chilly, creeping sen- 
sation, is among the symptoms of the second stage of 
consumption. 

Night sweats are but a symptom of debility, and are 
very troublesome in the last stages of consumption. The 
hair becomes harsh and dry, the nails turn downward, the 
cough is constant and harrassing, and the extremities swell; 
bleeding from the lungs may or may not take place, diar- 
rhoea sets in, and death closes the scene. Only a small per 
centage of cases of phthisis are cured, because they are 
drugged to death before they apply to those who can help 
them. 

In treating this disease, we should keep in view the fact 
that such remedies as increase the vital powers are alone 
admissable. Anything that debilitates is to be avoided. 

Some go to work to stop the cough, giving squills, mor- 



253 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

phine, paregoric, etc., whereas this only hastens the de- 
structive process by preventing the discharge of the un- 
natural secretions. What we most need is something that 
will improve the centre of life, the brain and nervous sys- 
tem, establish a healthy action of all the organs, subdue 
local irritation, and avoid everything that deteriorates 
To accomplish the first we must give such medicines as 
will nourish the brain and strengthen the nervous system. 
We must select our patient's diet with this end in view, 
and with the purpose of making the most blood with the 
.eas: work for the digestive organs. Fresh fish are good 
as a diet, also, soft boiled eggs, fat steak, beef, mutton, 
butter, etc. A good diet is worth more than all our med- 
icines. A tranquil mind is a great advantage. We must 
keep the liver, kidneys and skin in a healthy state, subdue 
the local irritation by direct medication, and avoid all expo- 
sures and everything that can deterate or run down the 
system, mind or body. A mild climate, where there are 
few changes is best. Florida, as a resort, is quite popu- 
lar in some sections, but those who visit Florida, find that 
the liver becomes torpid, the digestion impaired : and while 
the cough improves, the general system runs down to 
a point where recuperation is slow, if at alL No matter if 
a climate is warm or cold, we want one that is equable. 
Salt water bathing is good. Salt quilted in flannel, and 
worn over the chest is good, and serves to protect from 
sudden changes. 

Among the remedial agents we have found most effect 
ive in consumption, is phosphorus, in some form. We 
have often succeeded in this disease with the following — 
R. Pure glycerine.. 12 oz 

Acid phos. i:\... 3 oz. 

Tinct. cinchona.. 4 oz. 

Mix, shake well, and take a teaspoonful without water 
before each meal. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 253 

R. Tinct. sanguinaria. i 

Fluid ext. prunis virginicus J 

Fluid ext. cimicifuga J 

Simp, carp ^ 

Dose, twenty drops in sugar and water, half hour after 
each meal. For cough — 

R. Tr. aconite.. ) n 

Tr.gelsem jaajoz. 

Dose, 20 drops in water just before retiring at night. 

For soreness in the chest apply the irritating piaster, 
keep on as long as you can bear it. To regulate the liver 
and bowels when constipated, give the Eclectic pills at 
night, and, above all, a good, nutritious diet. For night 
sweats give : 

R. Fluid ext. populus 1 oz. 

Cinchona 1 oz. 

Dose. 30 drops three times a day. If the bowels become 
troublesome, give : 

R. Fluid ext. geran. mac 20 drops. 

Give, say 20 drops in sweet milk every two hours, 
Should hemorrhage occur, give : 

R. Lycopus virginicus aa 1 oz. 

Of fluid extract give say 40 drops every ten hours until 
hemorrhage ceases. These remedies are found to meet 
certain indications, and should be omitted, (all except the 
first three,) when any one symptom has disappeared. 

It is a disease, however, that requires the very best 
agents, and a person once afflicted with disease of the lungs 
may expect to be subject to a return at any time, upon ex- 
posure, or exciting, depressing causes. Seek the very 
best rational treatment, and when cough, and the other 
symptoms here laid down appear, do not be deceived with 
the statement that it is your liver, but seek remedial agents 
at once that can build up ; avoid calomel, mercury, in any 
form, but seek life-giving, blood-making remedies alone. 
We have given above, such only, as experience has proved 
of the greatest utility in all cases not too far spent. 



254 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

It is a remarkable fact, that consumptives never admit 
they have it until too late to do much with them, they 
always expect to soon get well, even to the last day. 

PURPURA. 

A morbid condition of the blood, and capillary vessels, 
in which we have a breaking down of the red corpuscles, 
with a diffusion of their contents. The blood is so diseased, 
as also the capillaries, that rupture takes place near a 
mucous membrane, the blood escapes and flows away in a 
fluid state, but when the rupture is near a tougher struc- 
ure, the blood is effused under the skin, and appears in pur- 
plish spots, varying in size, from a small shot to a chestnut. 
If effused in the brain or lungs, it accumulates in veins, and 
may lacerate their structure, or obstruct their functions. 
Most common in parts most remote from the heart, as in 
the lower limbs, and other parts of the body. 

We must look to the assimilated system for the defect, 
and to remedy it, we must give such treatment as will 
change the composition of the blood to a predominance 
of red disk, instead of the water, or white portion of the 
blood. 

Treatment. — Of greatest importance is the diet, which 
should be fresh beef, eggs, fish, oysters, fruits, etc We 
would give the following, half hour before each meal : 

R. Cinchona comp 8 oz. 

Syrup simplex 7 

Nitro-muriatic acid 1 

Mix, and shake well. 

Dose, one teaspoonful in half a wineglass of water. 
R. Syrup hypophos., soda, lime, and iron.... 8 oz. 
Tine, digitalis 2 dr. 

Dose, one teaspoonful, half hour after meals. At night 
give twenty drops of oil of erigeron, on sugar. 

With a course of this kind, thirst and purpura soon dis- 
appear, and the circulation resumes a healthy, active con- 
dition. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 255 

PITYRIASIS. 

A chronic, non-contagious inflammation of the skin, at- 
tended with redness, and much irritation ; scurf, white 
scales accumulate, and are thrown off in great quantities. 
Dandruff may appear on any part of the body, but the 
scalp is most obnoxious to it. 

R. Borax 3 dr. 

Glycerine 4 oz. 

Elder flower water 8 oz. 

Mix, and rub well into the roots of the hair. Keep the 
hair well washed, and head clean. 
PLETHORA. 
An excess of blood, and over-abundance of blood in all 
the organs and tissues of the body. 

It is best relieved by attention to all the secretions, liver, 

skin, and kidneys, keeping the bowels open. Give the 

patient drachm of liquor potassa, divided into three doses. 

This is usually all that is necessary to diminish the 

quantity of blood. 

PLEURISY. 

Inflammation of the pleura may be acute, or chronic, 
partial, or entire. 

Symptoms. — Usually preceded by a chill and fever ; then 
commences an acute, cutting pain in the region of the heart, 
and is usually termed, in common parlance, a stitch. This 
is aggravated by motion, inspiration, coughing, lying on the 
affected side. Cough is harsn, short, and skin dry ; pulse 
quick, hard ; respiration increased ; restlessness ; anxious 
countenance ; scanty and high-colored urine ; temperature 
from 102 to 105. The deficient elevation in the ribs, with 
friction sound, is caused by the dry and inflamed pulmonary 
and costal surfaces of the pleura rubbing against each 
other. 

This friction sound is often felt on applying the hand- 
over the heart ; usually appears the second to the fifth day 
of the disease ; ceases when resolution takes place ; the 



256 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

two surfaces become moist and smooth, the sound and 
friction disappear. 

There is always more or less dullness and swelling of 
the chest over the heart. Pleurisy can seldom be mistaken, 
and the treatment should be active and prompt. 

Treatment. — In one-half the cases we can abort the dis 
ease upon the first symptoms. Place the patient in bed, 
keep him quiet, apply a flax-seed poultice, or even a com- 
mon mush one, sprinkled with cayenne, change often as 
dry. Give internally — 

R. Fid. ext. asclepias 1 aa 

Serpentaria j y 2 oz. 

Gelsem 1 aa 

Aconite fol J 1 dr. 

Dose, twenty drops every hour until pain and soreness 
gradually subsides, and the pulse is reduced to 70°. Keep 
the patient warm, and give a very light, nutritious diet, 
and build up with tonics. With this treatment we can 
always arrest the disease in first six hours, and soon cure 
it when it has already set in. In several years active prac- 
tice, where this plan was adopted, not a single case was 
lost. You will find an effectual remedy in the butterfly 
root, when you are remote from medicine. Make a strong 
tea, and give during the day. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Inflammation of the lungs may be partial or complete ; 
may attack one or both, or merely one lobe ; due to ex- 
posure to cold or wet, or both. 

We find the right lung most frequently affected, the 
lower lobe by preference. In severe attacks it reaches its 
heighth the seventh day ; average duration, under ordinary 
treatment, fourteen days. 

Comes on with rigors, depression, dull pain in the re- 
gion, cough, expectoration of a rusty colored matter. 
The expectoration comes more free on third day, and the 
temperature of the body somewhat decreases then, say 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 257 

from 105* then decreases to 100, pulse usually reaches 140 
to 150. 

Symptoms. — Pneumonia cannot be mistaken for pleurisy 
or phthisis. The nostrils are dilated ; the pulse is 140, and 
corded ; the cheeks flushed ; dullness on pressure ; the ex- 
pectoration is also characteristic of pneumonia. 

Pneumonia left to run its course, will consist of three 
stages : 1. Engorgement, or congestion of the lungs ; too 
great fulness of red blood in the organs. 2. Effusion, and 
hepetization of red blood, and the lung becomes hard, 
where it is soft and spongy in health ; and we can detect 
this by percussion mainly. 3. Grey secretion, or infil- 
tration of the lungs with pus ; a liquifying of the lungs, 
which, if the vital powers are not too weak, are thrown off 
in expectoration, and the closed up or congested condition 
of the lungs gives way, and we have the air again entering 
the lungs. 

Treatment. — Nine cases out of ten will recover with 
proper treatment ; and too much treatment does more 
harm than good, in any case. 

Place your patient in bed, wrap him up warm, and keep 
the temperature of the room up to 65° or 70°. If the 
bowels are constipated, or not active enough, give a mild 
aperient — citrate of magnesia -then give the following 
prescription : 

R. Tr. verat. viride 1 drachm. 

Aconite fol 

Gelsem 



h 



oz 

Fluid ext. asclepias, 

Mix, and give forty drops, in water, every two hours 
until the pulse is down to 70°. Continue it at long inter- 
vals, to keep it to this point. As an aid to expectoration, 
I have found the following excellent : 
R. Tr. lobelia fol, 

I 33 

Saneuinaria >. 



Fluid ext I 2 



:}* 



oz. 



Dose, twenty drops, in sugar and water, every two hours. 



258 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Keep a poultice of warm mush, with cayenne pepper well 
mixed in, over the chest. Avoid all active purgatives, or 
depleting medicine.' Give brandy and eggs, or milk punch, 
and establish convalescence upon eggs, beef, butter, etc. 
In over two hundred cases of this disease, I never lost but 
one with this treatment, 

POLYPUS. 

No matter where polypus is found, it is dependent upon 
some constitutional defect. They are found in cavities 
lined with mucous membrane, as the nose, rectum, vagina. 
Several varieties. Gelatinous is most common; but no 
matter what may be their cause, or nature, we have to 
adopt very much the same treatment. Removal is the first 
thing ; then we must give alterative — something to purify 
the blood and neutralize the tendency to the formation of 
this growth. Polypus of uterus, etc., are fully described 
in my work on " Diseases of Women and Children," and the 
treatment of nasal polypus is described under that head. 

PYROSIS. 

Frequent eructation of acid, thin fluid, with pain at pit 
of stomach, heartburn. We have found the sub-nitrate of 
bismuth effectual, in connection with tonic bitters, described 
under that head. 

PURPURA HEMORRHAGIC. 

This affection consists of very small specks — pimples, 
distinct and in patches accompanied with general debility, 
and some fever. 

Symptoms. — Lassitude, fullness, pain in the limbs, de- 
bility and depression of spirits, pulse frequent but small, 
heat and flushing of the surface, with perspiration; sallow, 
emaciated, swelling of the lower extremities. Duration 
very indefinite, may be a few days, or a few years ; occurs 
at all periods of life, but mainly about the age of puberty 
and upwards. 

Treatment. — In treating this disease the diet is all im- 
portant, no vegetables, or articles liable to vegetable acid. 

Give the following — 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 259 

R. Glycerine 8 dr. 

Tinct. digitalis 3 dr. 

Acid phosphic, dil 4 dr. 

Mix, and give a teaspoonful before each meal. After 
meals, give twenty drops muriate tincture iron in water. 
Under the use of these two prescriptions the improvement 
will be rapid. 

PRURIGO. 

A cutaneous disease, causing intolerable itching, and 
characterized by an eruption of small pimples; any com- 
parison is futile, but a thousand ants turned loose on a 
square inch would not miss it far. 

Treatment. — Regulate the bowels, liver, skin, and kid- 
neys ; alkaline baths, etc. 

R. Syrup yellow dock comp 1 pt. 

Nitro-muriatic acid 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. Also, give — 

R. Fluid ext. hydrastis ) , 

-m -j ,. • >aa i oz. 

Fluid ext. prums vir J z 

Dose, 20 drops in water after each meal. 

PRURIGO ANL 

Old persons, and women in certain conditions, are pe- 
culiarly liable to an intolerable itching, the result of piles, 
dyspepsia, worms, etc., symptoms unmistakable. 

Treatment. — Avoid all stimulants, inject the rectum 
with — 

R. Sulphite soda .. J oz. 

Tinct. lobelia J pint. 

Mix, and inject 4 ounces at a time. Keep the bowels 
open with the Eclectic pill. 

RECTUM. 
The veins of the rectum are very tortuous and numer- 
ous, and, owing to location, etc., are very subject to dis- 
ease, due to congestion of vessels. 
17 



260 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Hemorrhoids are most common, and are usually due to 
constipation and congestion in the first place. This trouble 
can be prevented by avoiding constipation on the one hand, 
and drastic purgatives on the other. 

Prolapsus of the rectum is sometimes met with, and is the 
result of straining or griping, either from diarrhoea or drastic 
medicine, and is best corrected by warm water baths, with 
a little hamamelis in the same. It is most common to 
children, and is only severe when inflammation results from 
protrusion. 

Stricture of the rectum may be partial or complete ; is al- 
ways more or less troublesome. 

Symptoms. — Constipation, the bowels are evacuated with 
difficulty, and in small particles. We have flatulence, paiu 
in the bowels, mucous discharge, stained with blood, and 
the general health soon fails. 

Treatment. — To be successful must be of a mechanical 
nature, gradual dilation. Bougies of gutta-percha, intro- 
duced daily, and gradually increasing the size, leaving them 
in, say half an hour at a time. For spasmodic stricture 
use injection of lobelia and belladonna, twenty drops in a 
half pint of water. 

RECTAL ULCERATION. 

This is very often met with as a sequel of chronic or acute 
dysentery, and may occur in connection with other diseases 
of the liver, lungs, etc. 

Symptoms. — We have a mixture of blood, mucous, and 
purulent matter in each stool ; pain under the sacrum and 
pubis during evacuation. Most frequent in women. 

Treatment. — Mild aperient to prevent constipation; 
cod liver oil, nourishing food, no stimulants, and a tonic 
course to improve the general health. Keep the parts 
well cleansed with the solution of permanganate of potassa. 

RECTITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF RECTUM. 

This is sometimes met with. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 261 

Symptoms. — Heat and pain at the anus, extending up 
under the sacrum ; frequent desire to go to stool, straining 
without passing anything but mucous, or lymph, fearful pain 
when anything passes. 

Treatment. — Use mild injections of glycerine, slippery 
elm water, and a few drops of lobelia in each syringeful. 
Apply cold water externally, and give fifteen drops tincture 
aconite fol. every four hours. 

Chronic rectitis sometimes remains after an acute attack, 
and may result in fistula, fissure, ulceration, etc. — always 
painful. 

Treatment. — Use a mild, unstimulating diet, and inject 
the rectum three times a day, with — 

R. Sweet oil 2 oz. 

Starch gruel 8 oz. 

Use hot hip-bath, and keep your patient quiet. 

REMITTENT FEVER. 

Simple, or malignant, remittent fever, is usually ushered 
in with rigors, headache, depression of spirits, furred 
tongue, nausea and vomiting. The chilly sensation lasts, 
say one hour or more ; or, we may call it, a partially de- 
fined cold stage, after which we have languor, lassitude, 
and general debility and fever. The skin becomes hot, dry, 
and harsh; pulse up to 110 or 120; face flushed; head- 
ache, throbbing and severe ; mental faculties blunted ; vio- 
lent pain in back and limbs ; gastric disturbance ; nausea ; 
vomiting of bilious matter ; constipation ; arrest of secre- 
tions of liver, skin, and kidneys ; respiration hurried ; 
thirst great. This may continue eight to twenty-four 
hours, and then gradually diminish ; perspiration breaks 
out, and patient sleeps, but still has headache, pain in 
back, and pulse up to its high standard ; the symptoms first 
described returning in from six to twenty-four hours ; the 
symptoms are intensified, and increase from day to day, 
when the fever is not arrested. 



262 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

In favorable cases we can abort it, or relieve, in from six 
to fourteen days — the patient will be well, but under or- 
dinary treatment, and if left to its course, it will run eigh- 
teen to twenty-four days. 

Patients of this class are liable to run into typhoid type, 
and we often have it complicated with pneumonia, and 
induration of the brain ; gastritis, (inflammation of stom- 
ach,) and entritis are often among the results, or conse- 
quences of this disease. When typhoid is approaching, 
we have a rise in the pulse, flushed cheeks, increase of 
temperature of the body, dry skin, delirium, bowels affected 
with diarrhoea, or obstinately constipated ; the tongue dry, 
colored brown or black, with cracks or fissures across it ; 
extreme prostration ; often, hemorrhage from bowels, 
lungs, etc. 

This complication is due to neglect, or improper treat- 
ment. As there are so many types of fever closely re- 
sembling this, we should endeavor to obtain a correct diag- 
nosis. The mode of attack of these two levers — typhoid 
and bilious — is quite different. Typhoid comes on so in- 
sidiously, that you scarce know that you have fever at all, 
until the disease has made considerable progress. In bil- 
ious, or remittent fever, we have a few days dull feeling, 
then a chill, and the other symptoms, previously described, 
follows. Vomiting is common to bilious, but rare in ty- 
phoid. Deafness, stupor, sordes on teeth, are common to, 
and, I may say, peculiar to typhoid. Bleeding from the 
nose and bronchial inflammation, is seldom present in ty- 
phoid remittent. Yellowness of skin, and well marked 
remission, mark the remittent attacks. 

Treatment. — In this, as in all other diseases, our allo- 
pathic friends give a dose of calomel when first called, then 
castor oil, quinine, and more calomel, ad infinitum. I may 
say no simple disease baffles them more than real bilious 
type, but they never fear to tackle it with their calomel, 
and they experiment and add to until the patient, unable 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 263 

to withstand the combine:! attacks of depressing fevers 
and depleting medicines, yield up the ghost, and his friends 
consolingly charge his untimely end to a wise dispensation 
of Providence. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh 
away," but if the doctor had given less calomel, his patient 
would not have been taken away. 

Homeopathy here meets with more disappointment than 
in any other disease. Hydropathy, or water cure, suc- 
ceeds in some patients where the constitution is good, but 
a decided, positive treatment in this disease is actually de- 
manded. 

I have treated hundreds of cases of this disease, and I 
always begin by giving a good cathartic. A pill invented 
and sold by myself, has. for fifteen years, been my favorite 
prescription in this disease, and I venture to say if a good 
dose of them are taken on first appearance of chill, no 
other treatment will be required, save a warm water bath 
with a little carbonate of soda dissolved in it. Should the 
fever return after the action of the medicine, give the fol- 
lowing — 

R. Sulphate quinine 20 gr. 

Beeberine "| 

Salacine Vaa 15 

Prusiate of iron J 

Leptandrin ) g 

Pepperme * 

Mix, and make into sixteen pills. Give one every three 
hours until the pulse begins to rise. 

The above should be given in the time of the remission. 
Conva'escence should be established on tonics, and a good 
nutritious diet. The above is all the treatment I have 
found necessary in cases uncomplicated with typhoid or 
other symptoms. 

RENAL DEGENERATION. 
We have three varieties of degeneration — fatty, amyloid 
or waxy, and cystic. 

First, and most frequent, is fatty degeneration. 



264 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Cause. — It may result from inflammation, a scrofulous 
diathesis, exposure to wet and cold, irregular living, and 
more often than anything else, intemperance. We seldom 
meet with it except in those given to the use of alcoholic 
spirits. 

Symptoms. — General debility, which means with this dis- 
ease, a peculiar palor and rapid pulse always present. We 
usually'have swelling of face, and sometimes other parts, 
stomach weak and irritated, nausea and vomiting ; a ten- 
dency to pericarditis, or inflammation of the membrane 
that envelopes the heart In fact, as this disease advances, 
we have a tendency to a variety of diseases of a low or 
wasting type, and we sometimes have uric acid diathesis, 
or poisoning from urea, producing convulsions, coma, and 
death. The urine is scanty, loaded with albumen, and soon 
there is an oily crust or globules appearing on the surface. 
Amyloid Degeneration. 

Frequently associated with scrofulous disease of bone or 
syphilis. It impairs the secretions of the kidneys at once. 

Symptoms. — Gradual loss of strength; profuse and un- 
natural secretion of urine, excessive in quantity, and swell- 
ing of legs and feet ; we shall find the liver and spleen en- 
larged, urine pale, and albuminous of acid tendency. 

Reaction and progress slow, and is usually associated 
with impoverished blood, and the quantity of the urine 
diminishes, with its proportion of albumen increased. 

Death usually results from some complication, as peri- 
carditis or pleurisy, phthisis, or some other symptom of low 
nervous vitality. 

Cystic Degeneration. 

Of this variety there are four forms. First, small super- 
ficial scattered cyst, which do not impede the functions of 
the glands. Second, cyst from the size of a pin point to 
that of a chestnut — these are produced by an obstruction 
of the tubes, etc. Third, congenital degeneration or cys- 
tic growth. In this, we have the new-born infant with 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 265 

large irregular shaped kidneys, made up of cystic growth, 
and destitute of secreting tissues. Fourth, general cystic 
degeneration, from dilation of a portion of the tubes. 
One or both kidneys may be involved. These cysts con- 
tain a dark, limpid fluid, and sometimes assume a thick or 
solid condition. 

The symptoms of cystic degeneration are not well mark- 
ed, and come on gradually ; there are always pains about 
the loins, bloody urine, and excess of albumen. 

Death may result from excess of urea in blood, or some 
other complication. 

Treatment. — All the forms of renal degeneration re- 
quire a treatment to build up the general health ; to this 
end, we would give the syrup hypophosphites before each 
meal, the nitro-muriatic acid after meals. A good nutri- 
tious diet, salt water bathing, etc. 

RHEUMATISM AND GOUT. 

The present theory in regard to these affections is, that 
they are both connected with an increase of lithic acid in 
the blood. In rheumatism, this is dependent on excess of 
the secondary, and, in gout, an excess of the primary 
digestion. In rheumatism, however, there is considerable 
excretion of lactic acid by the skin, while in gout there is 
an excess of soda, which, uniting with the lithic acid, pro- 
duces a compound lithate of soda, that may be detected as 
such in the olood, while, sometimes, it exudes into the 
cellular tissue of the skin, constituting sebaceous deposits. 
In both diseases, there is an undue balance between the 
excess of lithic acid, and the power of excretion ; in 
rheumatism, by the skin ; in gout, by the kidneys. 
This pathology is supposed to be the true one, and it serves 
to explain the similitudes and differences existing between 
the two affections. In both diseases there is a certain 
constitutional condition, dependent on deranged digestion, 
during which the exciting causes occasion local effects. 
These exciting causes in rheumatism, are bad diet, hard 



266 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

work, exposure to cold and wet ; and its subjects, gener- 
ally, are the poor, laboring population. In gout, the 
causes are good diet, indolence, excess, indigestion ; and 
its subjects are, for the most part, the rich and over-fed. 
The local manifestations in both are, acute and wandering 
pains, with pain and swelling — in rheumatism, of the large 
joints; and, in gout, of the small ones — constituting the 
acute attack of both. These are combined with a ten- 
dency to various complications of the intestinal viscera, 
which are more or less dangerous to life. 

Symptoms of acute rheumatism first manifest themselves 
in the form of slight chills, lassitude, and general uneasi- 
ness, which are quickly succeeded by pain, swelling, red- 
ness, and augmented heat. The pain varies in character, 
being sometimes aching or gnawing; at others, lancinating, 
darting, dull, throbbing, or numb; pungent and pricking, 
and aggravated by movement, by exposure to cold air, by 
pressure to the touch. At first, rheumatism seizes upon 
the fibrous textures ; but as the inflammatory action be- 
comes developed, other tissues become involved. The 
larger joints are more subject to rheumatic inflammation 
than any other part. The other symptoms are, bitter 
taste in the mouth, coated tongue, rapid and full pulse, hot 
skin, scanty urine, high colored and sedimentous; intense 
pain in moving the affected part; anxious, distressed ex- 
pression of countenance, and occasional perspiration. 
Rheumatism consists of a specific inflammation of a con- 
stitutional character, varying in its manifestations accord- 
ing to the part it happens to locate in. It is extremely 
liable to shift from joint to joint, and fix upon some in- 
ternal organ, as the brain, or its membranes, the pulmo- 
nary structures, the heart and its appendages. 

There is, usually, little danger when it is confined to the 
joints. It is termed muscular rheumatism, when seated in 
the muscular structure; articular, when in the joints; 
neuralgic, when seated in the nerves, or their investing 
membranes. It may also be acute or chronic. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 267 

Symptoms of Gout are various, but it is always preceded 
by gastric or intestinal derangement, as impaired appetite, 
furred tongue, acid or flatulent distention of the stomach 
and intestines. The inflammation usually attacks the 
smaller joints, and as the disease advances, the veins in the 
vicinity of the pain become distended, the integuments 
swollen, ©edematous and of a bright scarlet color; the 
pains are intense, of a darting, throbbing, persistent aching 
and burning character, increased by contact or movement ; 
there is an almost loss of muscular power of the affected 
parts ; the pains are worse at night and accompanied by 
febrile symptoms ; all the functions are sympathetically 
deranged ; the urine is scanty, high colored, loaded with 
lithiate ; the patient is restless, irritable, sensitive. The 
disease speedily arrives at its height, its maximum of in- 
tensity in two or three days. During this period the great 
toe, and sometimes the foot itself becomes cedematous ; 
numbness and pricking are experienced in the swollen tex- 
tures, especially during the day. The pains and evening 
exacerbations subside, when in about from seven to ten 
days, the active inflammatory symptoms have disappeared, 
and left the patient with a debilitated and cedematous limb. 
The perpetual recurrence of gout impairs the constitution, 
causes permanent thickening of the articular membranes, 
or cretaceous deposits about the joints, and induce that 
condition of the parts which leads to chronic gout, which 
is characterized by dull, burning pain, thickening, rigidity, 
weakness, and partial loss of power ; more or less gastric 
derangement, increased restlessness and irritability. 

The general indications of both diseases are to regu- 
late the diet, the nutritive functions, so as to ensure a due 
balance between the amount of matter entering the blood, 
as the result of digestion, primary or secondary, and the 
amount of matter discharged from the economy by the ex- 
cretory organs, and to conduct an acute attack of either to 
a favorable termination, carefully watching the internal vis- 



268 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

cera, and being prepared to act with vigor where active 
treatment is indicated. 

Treatment of Rheumatism. — This resolves itself into 
curative and preventive ; the one must be carried out by 
remedies that act on the blood and excretory organs ; the 
other by diet, exercise, and hygiene. Although the gen- 
eral pathology of rheumatism clearly points to the presence 
of lactic acid in the blood, generated during imperfect 
digestion, we are still unable to explain the whole train of 
symptoms, and our treatment of acute rheumatism is quite 
empirical. 

RICKETT. 

Children of a scrofulous, or strumous, diathesis are liable 
to this condition, that is, a soft condition of the bones. 
They are, to all appearance, natural, but are, really, soft 
and flexible, bending under the weight of the body as the 
child walks. To this condition is due much of curvatures 
and deformities. Usually, this softening commences when 
the child begins to walk, and the more the weight is 
thrown upon the bones, the greater the deformity. 

This condition is readily overcome with proper treat- 
ment, as — we have the scrofulous diathesis to overcome — 
we must build up the general system by good, generous, 
animal diet — beef, mutton, eggs, fish, butter, etc. Give 
the syrup of hypophosphite, before meals, and the cin- 
chona and hydrastis, after meals. Use a bath of soft water 
three to four times a week. 

The following is excellent treatment : Syrup hypophos- 
phites, soda, lime, and iron — one teaspoonful before each 
meal. 

R. Tr. cinchona comp ") 

Hydrastis canadensis I aa 

Alnus [ \ oz. 

Corydalis J 

Dose, twenty drops, after each meal. Give, at night, 
five drops of fluid ext. phytolacea. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 269 

RODENT ULCER. 

Frequently met with in scrofulous patients, and usually 
located about the eyelids. A hard margin, with a dry, 
glarry surface, and full of cheese-like particles. Its ten- 
dency is to complete destruction — eating and destroying the 
adjacent tissues, partaking of the appearance of lupus 
and cancer. 

Treatment. — The careful application of caustic potass., 
and follow with permanganate of potass, lotion. Build up 
the general health with a good diet — eggs, beef, etc. 
Under a treatment of this kind, a cure is rapidly effected. 

ROSEOLA. 

This is a disease somewhat resembling measels, but it is 
really a true inflammation of the skin, characterized by a 
transient irregular patch of red appearance, and distributed 
over the whole body. It usually terminates in about a 
week. 

Treatment. — Give 10 drops tinct. aconite fol. every two 
hours, sponge the body well with alkaline baths, say one- 
fourth pound soda to five gallons of water. Give a little 
sage, or ginger, tea, and keep the patient from cold or 
damp. 

RUPIA. 

A formation of scales, or crust, which, after removal 
leave an ulcerated surface, intractable to heal. We have 
several varieties of rupia, all, however, dependent upon a 
breaking down of vital power. 

Treatment. — This will be most successful when we re- 
sort to means calculated to give tone and strength to the 
system, through appropriate medicines and diet. Then we 
would give the : 

R. Tr. cinchona comp 1 

Acid phosphor, dil 1 

Dose, 30 drops, after each meal. Also comp. syrup 



270 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

yellow dock before meals. It will take several months to 
cure this disease. 

SCABIES. 

Itch has so many appearances, that writers usually divide 
it into two varieties, and give it several names. It is a 
vascular eruption of a constant itching, aggravated by 
scratching, by heat of fire, bed clothes, etc. It is de- 
cidedly contagious, and may continue for years, or for a 
lifetime, if neglected. It is caused by an insect so small 
that a microscope is required to see it. It appears as a 
small, dark point at the end of a white line. It is divided 
into three forms : 

Scabius Sicca. — A pimply, dry itch, common to adults, 
and, when suppressed, may produce apoplexy, dropsy, 
hydrocephalus, etc. 

Scabius Vesicular, or Common Itch. — Mostly occurs in 
highland. Stopped too suddenly, various affections of the 
pulmonary organs may result. 

Scabius Purulenta. — Composed of yellow and purulent 
eruption between the fingers and toes. The principal, if 
not the only cause of itch, is contagion. Most invariably 
contagion is confined to no age, sex, rank, or condition, 
but most commonly among those who neglect cleanliness, 
especially sailors, soldiers, prisoners, etc. The contact of 
the smallest particle of matter causes contagion of the dis- 
ease. As the insect will not leave its burrow except at 
night, and if impregnated not then unless by scratching, 
he contagion is not likely to occur except at night, as 
holding the hand, or hand shaking, but if disturbed by 
scratching it will be communicated even in this way. 

Is most common in youth, or those with a tender skin. 

Treatment. — Apply benzine to the affected part every 
night. This is a sure and effectual remedy. In case this 
can not be had, bathe with hydrodate of potass, at night. 

SCIATICA. 

Sciatic neuralgia is confined to the course of the sciatic 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 271 

nerve, and hip joint. It requires no special treatment dif 
fering from that already laid down under neuralgia. It is 
distinguished from regular rheumatism by the sharp, cut- 
ting, acute pain in the hip joint. It was formerly called 
rheumatism and is so designated until yet by the old school 
physicians, but there is no question that it is of a purely 
neuralgic character. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the 
body, hence the slightest interference with it will create 
great pain. 

Treatment. — This will not differ from that under the 
head of neuralgia. The comp. syrup frostwort. with iodide 
potass before meals, cimicifuga comp. after meals, with 
warm salt water baths, counter-irritants and protection 
from the air. 

SCROFULA. 

This is a morbid condition of the system where the vital 
powers are depressed : where we have blood elaborated 
of low vitality, albuminous, and of a nature once trans- 
mitted or acquired, gives rise to an increased action of the 
heart, a throwing out or exudation of the albuminous 
blood into every part that is weak, increased temperature 
of the body. This albuminous blood once effused, its 
watery portions are absorbed, its solid portions aggregate 
in round masses, whence they receive the appellation of 
tubercle. It may be hereditary or acquired, and once es- 
tablished, the patient is liable to all the train of symptoms 
that attend this condition of the blood and vital powers. 

Among its prominent features are arrest of development, 
inflammation and softening, with a tendency to destruc- 
tion of all the tissues of the body. 

Scrofulous infants have small limbs, large abdomens. 
weak spines, prominent chests, large heads, and are liable 
to ulceration, etc. Its effects begin before birth, and end 
with the life of the patient. It may be recorded among 
the causes of spontaneous abortion. 

Scrofulous infants are liable to convulsions, dropsy of 



272 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

the brain, cholera infantum, consumption of the lungs, 
consumption of the bowels, etc. 

Scrofula modifies diseases, but makes them difficult to 
cure. It attacks ever}- part of the body, but chooses the 
weakest point, which becomes the centre of scrofulous af- 
fections. Let a scrofulous child take cold, and it will, in 
all probability, die from consumption. 

Let some over-excitement, over-action or irritation, cause 
a determination to the brain, and we have tubercular men- 
ingitis, effusion of tubercle, convulsion and death. Let 
there be irritation of the bowels, as diarrhoea, cholera in- 
fantum, and we have tabes misenterica, or tubercles of the 
bowels ; irritation of the elbow, knee, wrist, or hip, and 
we have white swelling, or coxalgia (hip-joint disease.) 

A morbid condition, as before stated, may be hereditary 
or acquired ; it may be developed and then transmitted. 
Children are born, predisposed to tubercle, if their parents 
have had syphilis or been licentious. Again, disparity of 
age has a like effect — one old, the other young, or if near 
relations marry; also, the offspring of those who have been 
severely drugged with mercury. 

There is, at present, an unprecedented increase of the 
scrofulous diathesis in America — among a nation that pos- 
sesses every comfort and luxury of life ; and this increase 
can only be accounted for by the increased activity and ex- 
cess in the generative functions, which is due to the stimu- 
lants, literature, and amusements of the present age. 

Excesses in the amative embraces of parents produce 
scrofulous offspring, This offspring, inheriting the deprav- 
ity of passion and blood, develop disease by the former, 
and thus the work of death goes on. 

Incompatibility of temperament is also a prominent 
cause, and, in the city, want of light, pure air, the use of 
poor food, pork, constant drugging, poison, whisky, etc. , 
are among the train of causes that produce the strumous, 
or scrofulous diathesis. To prevent this wide-spread dis- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 273 

ease, the common people must learn the immutable laws 
of life, then the causes will be abolished Abolish poverty, 
filth, vice, or immorality, drugs of a poisonous nature, in 
a word, everything that degenerates humanity. The higher 
the standard of morality and education, the higher order of 
manhood we have, both physically and mentally. 

Progressive physicians have been remarkably successful 
in the treatment of this condition, under favorable circum- 
stances. 

Our allopathic neighbors give arsenic to overcome this 
diathesis, and this tends to increase its ravages. What we 
prescribe is plenty of light, air, exercise, and cleanliness, 
and, above all, a generous, nutritious diet. Bathing in salt 
water, flannel next the skin, and the avoidance of all the 
predisposing causes — excesses of every kind. A good bath 
at morning, with much friction, and an occasional iodine 
bath, tends to get up a healthy action. 

Nutritious food, pure, simple, and healthy, is indispensi- 
ble in connection with these remedies, calculated to promote 
elaboration of pure, healthy blood. 
Treatment. — 

R. Glycerine 12 oz. 

Phosphor, acid dil 3 oz. 

Tr. nux vomica 1 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful, before each meal. Shake well, 
so as to thoroughly combine it. After meals give 

R. Fid. ext. frostwort 2 oz. 

14 " iris versicolar 1 oz. 

Corydalis for 1 oz. 

Stillingia 2 oz. 

Alcohol 2 oz. 

Iodide potass 1 oz. 

Simple syrup 7 oz. 

Shake well, and give one teaspoonful three times a day, 
half hour after meals. At night, to promote sleep, and 
purify the blood, give fluid extract phytolacea, 15 drops, 



274 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

before retiring. Keep up the treatment, at intervals, for 
month, and you will eventually overcome the diathesis. 

SCURVY. 

Chiefly confined to inhabitants of northern latitudes; 
seldom appears in the south, or near the tropics — this 
exemption due to great abundance of fruit and vegetables. 
It is most common in navy and army, or among sailors, 
when confined to salt pork, bad bread, without vegetables 
or fruit. 

Want of cleanliness is another cause of this trouble. 
The existence of scurvy has been attributed to want of 
potash in the food. Most of vegetables contain a certain 
per cent, of potash ; also, fresh meats, etc. Scorbutic 
patients soon recover under the use of potash. 

Symptoms. — These are first noticed in the changed ap- 
pearance of the countenance, the face is pale and bloated, 
and the white complexion assumes a dingy hue, the gums 
swell and bleed when but slightly touched ; bad breath 
general debility, lassitude, and pain in the limbs highly 
resembling rheumatism ; the joints feel stiff and weak, and 
any exertion seems a task ; difficulty of breathing ; dry, 
harsh skin. 

The condition of the blood in scurvy is entirely changed ; 
there is over one hundred and fifty more parts of water in 
scurvy than in health. There soon appears black, brown, 
or blue spots, all over the skin, and the extremities become 
smaller. Hemorrhage from bowels, throat, etc., may take 
place, and is often extremely troublesome. As such cases 
are seldom met with in home life, an extended description 
seems unnecessary. The symptoms are so well marked 
that there is no mistaking the disease, and the remedies 
are sure and simple. 

Treatment. — In scurvy the main object is to change the 
diathesis, and to this end plenty of fresh meats, vegetables, 
fruits, as a diet, and the following internally : 

R. Tr. cinchona comp 8 

Phosphoric acid 2 

Syrup 6 









OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 275 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal, at the same time 
having a care for diet, giving only fresh meats, vegetables, 
and fruit. Lemons, or lemon juice, is excellent. The 
bromide of potass, or iodide of potass, for internal use 
will do good. 

SIMPLE FEVERS. 

The mildest type of fever may last for a day and night 
to eight or ten. It has all the symptoms of the more se- 
vere type of fever, but in a less degree. Lassitude, nausea, 
restlessness, pain in the back and limbs, headache, increased 
circulation, scanty urine, skin hot and dry, delirium, con- 
stipation, etc. 

Treatment. — Give the Eclectic pill at night, a warm 
alkaline bath in the morning, and every two hours : 

R. Tr. aconite fol J oz. 

Fid. ext. asclepias J oz. 

Dose, twenty drops, every two hours. 
sLEEPEE>SXE->. 

If not connected with other symptoms, or other diseases, 
assumes a form or disease or derangement, due to some 
error in diet, habits, etc. The free use of tea, indulged in 
by some, is one cause, especially in nervous temperament ; 
low spirits, despondency, grief, bad news, or even good 
news, will keep some people awake half a night. I have 
met with a few persons who would not sleep without eat- 
ing just before retiring; and, again, there are others to 
whom a full supper assures a wakeful night. 

Loss of sleep will break down the whole nervous system 
sooner than anything else — than any amount of mental 
or physical labor — and is one of the most common causes 
of insanity. 

Protracted wakefulness will derange the system — the 
whole system — producing loss of appetite, general debility, 
diminishing the urine, etc., and weakens the mental facul- 
ties. Give me sufficient sleep, even if it costs me one-third 
18 



276 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

of my food, as it will do more to keep up the system than 
one half the quantity, or quality, of food. 

Treatment. — We should never give opiates, but adopt 
some simple means of getting composed to sleep. Centre 
the mind on one thought, and you will soon fall asleep. 
If this fails, and the bed feels uneasy, get up and take the 
air a few minutes. A salt-water bath will often remedy the 
nervous wakefulness. Avoid the cause, and you will need 
very little treatment to overcome the effect. 

SPINAL IRRITATION. 

Spinal irritation is usually due to hysteria, uterine irrita- 
tion, protracted menstruation, leucorrhea, gout, rheuma- 
tism, and nervous exhaustion. 

Symptoms. — Pain in the spinal column, extending to the 
head in some cases, the pain is always aggravated on pres- 
sure, a false step or sudden movement; sometimes 
amounts to numbness, spasm or loss of muscular power 
The irritation often extends to the whole body, in- 
volving both the nervous and muscular system. There is 
usually a feeling of constriction about the chest. I have 
met with cases of irritation of the dorsal or central portion 
of the spine, where the pain would be referred to the side 
just below the breast (mamma.) 

We can sometimes detect a tenderness by pressure upon 
each process in rotation, but very ofien there is little exter- 
nal symptom of the true nature of the case. 

Treatment. — Salt water baths will often relieve, with 
some internal nerve tonics. Ordinary cases will yield to — 

R. Bromide potass 1 oz. 

Aqua 8 oz. 

Dissolve the potass, in the water, and give a teaspoon- 
ful before each meal. If dependent upon uterine diseases 
we must direct our treatment to the removal of the cause. 
SPINAL CURVATURE. 

We have three varieties of spinal curvatures not connec- 
ted with caries, or anchylosis of the vertebra. 






OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. '277 

First, posterior curvature from within, and producing an 
elevation on the spine. 

Second, anterior curvature from without inward, throw- 
ing the breast or chest outward. 

Third, lateral curvature in the shape, or assuming the 
form of the letter S, to some extent. 

Posterior curvature ; the curve is usually about the cen- 
tre or middle of the spine, outward, is often due to hold. 
ing very young infants up under the arm-pits, forcing the 
ribs inward, and the breast bone and spinal column out- 
ward : slight curvature may result from the habit of stoop- 
ing, or leaning forward while reading, writing, etc. 

Treatment. — Spinal curvatures in children are amenable 
to treatment — to proper treatment. The best means is to 
apply Kolb's brace, with daily rubbing of the spine with 
salt water or stimulating lotion, and giving, internally, the 
syrup hypophosphites. soda, lime and iron, with chinchona 
after meals. Rest and the recumbent position is absolute- 
ly necessary to success. The treatment should be com- 
menced on the first appearance of the disease, and the po- 
sition of the patient, when lying in bed, should be looked 
to. having them on the back as far as practicable 

Anterior curvature is very rare, but may be met with. 
It is usually found to proceed from those who, in early 
life, have brought the muscles of the lower part of the 
back and hips into active use. 

It produces quite a singular appearance to the observer, 
and when occurring in the dorsal vertebra, causes the chest 
to assume the appearance of a protuberance. 

Treatment. — Can do but little good in this class of 
cases, unless at the very incipiency. Lateral curvature is 
most common, and may be from right to left or left to right, 
usually met with from ten to twenty, and it is of a nature 
unmistakeabie, due to imperfect development ol bone, 
rickety or strumous diathesis in children, and to employ- 
ments that require the use of one side, or set of muscles, 
while the other is but partially used. 



278 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

It is amenable to treatment in the early stages, provided 
we have perfect rest, and proper local applications of 
braces or stimulants, that will have a tendency to get up 
healthy action The position in bed should be on the side 
from which the curvature extends, and a hard mattress is 
preferable to a soft, or feather bed. Proper diet, salt water 
baths, with considerable friction to the parts involved, is 
absolutely required for successful treatment. When the 
patient is old, bones fully formed and hard, treatment ef- 
fects but little good. 

SUSPENDED ANIMATION. 

Extreme anxiety, followed by unconsciousness, the 
power of voluntary motion ceases, and the circulation. We 
have this condition from quite a number of causes, promi- 
nent among these we will mention the following : Asphyxia 
fro?n strangulatio?i y asphyxia from drowning, and asphyxia 
from choking. Suspended animation from a cord around 
the neck is caused by interruption of respiration, and en- 
gorgement of the brain, cutting off the circulation. 

Treatment. — Keep the head and shoulders raised, re- 
store the circulation by applications of warmth to the body, 
apply ammonia to nostrils, mouth, and throat, stimulate 
the chest with warm applications, mustard, and cayenne 
pepper. 

When animation is suspended from foreign bodies pass- 
ing into the larynx, we must endeavor to remove the cause. 
In suspension from inhaling poisonous gases, of which the 
fumes of burning charcoal is most common, we would get 
plenty ot fresh air, rub with vinegar, and inhale the same, 
throw cold water in the face, apply heat to the feet, give 
opium and belladonna, make a hot, blazing fire, and put 
fresh water all through the room in shallow vessels. In 
all cases, the rule is to apply warmth to chest, cold to face, 
and heat to feet. Keep the head well up, and give plenty 
of fresh air. In cases of suspended animation lrom cold. 
we would endeavor to warm our patient from within, out- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 279 

ward. Apply ice, or snow, to the body, rub well with 
flannel. The application of warmth must be very gradual. 
We must resort to enemas, if patients can't swallow. If 
he can swallow, give warm coffee, or beef tea, or even 
warm wine. If enemas have to be used, throw up, say, a 
gill of warm tea, with a drop of tinct. of cayenne in it. 

When suspended animation arises from swooning, or 
fainting, the patient should have plenty of fresh air, the 
head level with body, water over head and chest, friction 
with capsicum, or ammonia, over the heart, a teaspoonful 
of brandy internally, and ammonia to the nostrils, galvan- 
ism, if at hand, and, in fainting from hemorrhage, give 
opium and brandy internally. 

For intoxication, or narcotic poisoning, place the patient 
on the side, with head well up, apply cold to the head, and 
heat to the feet, stimulating applications to the chest, with 
stomach pump, strong tea or coffee, or a solution of acetate 
of ammonia. If not dangerous, allow patient to sleep 
awhile, but not too long. 

TABES MESENTERICA. 

Or consumption of the glands (mesenteric) of the abdo- 
men, is next to the same disease in the lungs. Tubercular 
deposits in the glands are met with in very young children, 
in fact, one-half the mortality among infants is due to this 
disease. Where tubercular deposits are found in the mes- 
enteric glands, it stops their functions — the chyle cannot 
pass through them, and so we soon have degeneration of 
the glands. 

Any irritation of the bowels and peritonium is liable to 
cause effusion of tubercular matter, and to this we may 
attribute its seeming connection with diarrhoea, or rather 
following it. 

Symptoms. — Increased temperature is a marked symp- 
tom, and may be detected long before the bowels begin to 
swell. In fact, increased heat is an attendant symptom of 



280 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

all tubercular disease, and as soon as the disease is arrested 
the symptoms disappear. 

Enlargement of the abdomen, with wasting of the whole 
body, extreme emaciation ; pain in the bowels, drawing of 
the legs up toward the belly; deep red color of lips; 
small ulcers in the inside of the mouth ; bowels irregular, 
always small. 

Treatment. — Proper treatment, if resorted to before the 
glands are much impeded, will bring about rapid improve- 
ment ; and to this end, first of all, we must tone up the 
nervous system, and thus get up a more perfect elaboration 
of blood. Neutralize acidity, and to meet all these indi- 
cations, a good diet is essential. Milk and lime water, 
white of egg, juice of meat, salt-water baths, flannel next 
the skin, with a roller, or bandage, over the abdomen. 
Give — 

R. Hypophosphite soda J oz. 

Hypophos calcis J 

Hypophos ferri J 

Simple syrup..,. ...1 pt. 

Mix, shake well, and give a teaspoonful three times a 
day. Also — 

R. Huxham's tr. cinchona 2 oz. 

Tr. nux vomica J oz. 

Fluid ext. cardamon J oz. 

Glycerine 13 

Mix, shake well, and give a teaspoonful three times a 
day. 

Give the two preparations one to two hours apart. 

TETANUS, OR LOCK-JAW. 
Of all the diseases to which the nervous system is liable, 
there is none so terrible, so utterly hopeless, as lock-jaw. 
The irritation is conveyed to the nerve-centre from a distant 
point, and indelibly fixed there. It certainly arises from 
effusion. This is the true condition, and appears as a long- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 281 

standing, spasmodic contraction. Differs from convulsions, 
or spasms, where we have alternations of contraction and 
relaxation. We have two classes : traumatic and idiopathic. 
The idiopathic form is much less dangerous than that 
arising from a wound. 

The symptoms of this form are almost the same as that 
caused from strychnine. 

The cause is always the same, severe irritation, commu- 
nicated to the nerve-centre, from which congestion, inflam- 
mation, and effusion arise. Previous depression of the vi- 
tal forces, is a predisposing cause. 

Symptoms. — Sets in suddenly, the muscles of the throat 
and jaw become first affected, the patient feels as if he had 
taken cold, and finds it quite difficult to swallow, or open 
the mouth, this increases until the jaw is set, and we have 
real lockjaiv. The pain and spasm is intense, occuring 
every fifteen minutes, at most, and being all the time, in 
most cases. 

The pain is impossible to describe, as it is, at times, so 
severe as to cause the patient to get upon his feet and head, 
almost at same time, with spine bent backward. 

The appearance is terrible, the face pale, bloodless, con- 
tracted brow, skin of forehead is wrinkled, eyes fixed, 
prominent, sometimes almost bursting from their sockets, 
at times, diffused with tears, intense thirst, patient may 
doze, but cannot sleep. 

With ail this suffering, the intellect is unimpaired, and 
all attempts at swallowing are attended with perfect torture. 
Death comes to the relief of the patient in from three to 
five days. 

Treatment. — The only treatment likely to prove effectual 
is a combination of lobelia, capsicum, and valerian, as 
follows : 

R Fid. ext. lobelia 1 oz. 

Valerian , 1 oz. 

Capsicum 1 dr. 



282 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Mix, give 30 drops every hour, introduce it between the 
teeth, and throw it up the rectum, at the same time, until 
complete relaxation is established. If this does not seem 
to act quick enough, give chloroform, inhale it until relaxa- 
tion is complete, then follow with : 

R. Fid. ext. podophyllin 10 drops. 

" " jalap 10 drops. 

Iris 10 drops. 

Give at a dose. Keep up the relaxation, and then give 
bromide of potassium in ten grain dose, repeat every two 
hours, alternate with, say, fifteen drops of fluid ext. cala- 
bar bean, and every two hours apply ice to the spine, dry 
cupping, etc. If you can keep your patient along four or 
five days, we shall be able to overcome the disease by 
absorption of the effusion, and get up a reaction. 

Remember, it is a disease that death is the only altena 
tive, and that, if our treatment looks dangerous, we must 
keep in mind we have a disease that will admit no half-way 
measures. 

TINEA, OR PORRIGO. 

This is a species of skin disease, chiefly affecting the 
scalp, and consists of a parasitic plant about the roots of 
the hair. There are several varieties of tinea, but the 
characteristics are all the same. We have the crusted 
scalp, ring-worm, etc., which are all classed by writers as 
belonging to the same family. 

For the general reader, it is useless to enter into detail, 
or minute description of each particular form. 

Symptoms. — The most common variety is characterized 
by a hard, thick crust forming on the scalp — thick, dry, 
and brittle. Great care is required to keep the parts clean, 
or we will have intense itching ; a discharge which is readily 
communicated to others, or other parts. 

Cause. — Strumous, or scrofulous diathesis, disordered 
digestion, uncleanliness, depressing passions. 

Treatment. — One of the essentials is cleanliness — fre- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 283 

quent washing with soap and water. We must act upon 
the blood, improve the general health by tonics and atten- 
tion. The comp. syrup of frostwort with cinchona comp. 
Apply to the scalp poultices as follows : 

R. Pul. iris versicoler J oz. 

Bicarb, soda 1 dr. 

Crackers, grated fine, sufficient to make a poultice. 
Apply to the head at night. After removing, wash the 
head with — 

R. Hyposulphite soda 20 gr. 

Water i pt. 

Keep the head moist with this, which is usually sufficient, 
but if the scalp is covered with suppurating ulcers, apply 
the carbolic acid or ointment of iodoform and carbolic acid, 
as — 

R. Iodo form 20 grs. 

Carbolic acid 1 

Lard 1 oz. 

Mix well, and applly to the sores twice a day. 
This will suffice to cure even the worst forms of scald- 
head. 

TONSILITIS. 

Inflammation of the tonsils, prevalent during spring and 
autumn, when the weather is variable, sudden changes, etc. 

Symptoms. — Heat, and dryness in the throat, preceded 
by chilly, shivering sensation : throat filled with mucus, 
glands in the jaw become swollen, hawking, spitting, and 
constant effort to swallow, attended with pain ; respiration 
is difficult and hard, feverish symptoms, throbbing and 
formation of pus, which eventually breaks and discharges, 
sometimes during sleep. Duration is from six to twelve 
days ; terminates in suppuration, and may be an external 
abscess. The tonsils remain swollen and enlarged, and the 
disease is very liable to return. We have a change in 
voice, and sometimes a chronic inflammation and enlarge- 
ment of the tonsils. 



284 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Causes. — Childhood is most subject, youth and middle 
age next. The aged never have tonsilitis. Change of 
temperature, drinking. ice water while hot, wet feet, and the 
influence of the changes in spring and autumn, etc. 

Treatment. — In acute cases, we would give the follow 
ing every two hours : 

R. Fluid ext. serpentaria ^ 

Asclepias Vaa J oz. 

Tr. aconite fol * J 

Dose, twenty drops in water. Locally, we would use, 
as a gargle — 

R. Tr. hydrastis can ^ 

Fluid ext. baptista J x 

Fluid ext. hamamelis [ 2 

Myrica cer J 

Mix, and add a teaspoonful to a half pint of water. Use 
as a gargle every three hours. Externally — 

R. Tr. belladonna 1 

Aqua ammonia } 

Tr. arnica 1 

Rub well in over the region of the pain. In chronic 
cases, or to prevent a return, we would give the comp. syr- 
up of frostwort, a teaspoonful before each meal. 

TOOTHACHE. 

After death the teeth are the last part of the human 
frame to decay, resisting chemical changes and all decom- 
position for hundreds of years, and yet, in civilized coun- 
tries, they are the first part to decay. The Indian, living 
in his natural or primitive state, never has bad teeth ; ani- 
mals' teeth are the same, in chemical composition, as the 
human, and yet they never have toothache. Then, there 
must be some exciting cause of premature decay of the 
teeth — some artificial means to bring it about. In our 
Southern country, before the late war, the negro slaves 
seldom had a warm meal, and no people under the sun 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 285 

were blessed with better teeth, or less freedom from tooth- 
ache, except the American Indian. 

This shows at once that hot food, hot drinks, etc., is the 
cause. In fact, it has been demonstrated that anything 
taken into the mouth, of a temperature above that of the 
blood, is destructive to the teeth. 

Then, as another cause of early decay, we have heredi- 
tary taint, scrofulous diathesis, and mercurial medication, 
which is. among the old school, a universal pa.iacea for all 
the ills, or so considered from its universal application. 

Treatment of the Teeth. — To preserve the teeth we 
should accustom the child to take its food cold ; habit is all 
that makes us take hot bread, meat and coffee, etc. Once 
accustomed to cold, we would prefer it naturally. The 
teeth should be well cleaned after each meal, and if they 
become carious, the dead part should be removed and the 
sound part covered or filled with gold. If the inflamma- 
tion and decay reaches both external and internal part of 
the tooth, extraction is the only remedy. 

For toothache we usually prescribe oil of cloves and tinc- 
ture of belladonna on cotton, applied in the cavity. This 
will generally give prompt relief. Camphor, laudanum, 
and chloroform, applied in same way, will relieve. For 
bleeding of the teeth, scurvy of the gums, etc., apply fluid 
extract myrica cer. ten drops in a wine glass of water, 
with a soft brush. Prepared charcoal and pulv. orris root 
are splendid to cleanse the teeth and preserve them. 

Avoid the use of tobacco or chewing gums. The teeth 
should not be converted into scissors, nut-crackers, cork- 
screws, etc. They are made for the purpose of mastica- 
tion, and are decidedly better than any artificial ones we 
can ever have, and should be more carefully preserved than 
those we have to pay a hundred dollars for. 

TRICHINA SPIRALIS. 
A species of entoza, or living animal, that inhabits the 



l!6 tee ame?.:: t::e 

muscular structure of some animals, and this flesh, when 
used =5 food by the human species, communicates it to 

: he- They = re ::: : lis:, in the :-:t ; 7re 

first — iwnalj or. in fact, the first discovery of them, was in 
the hog. More recently, it has been found in the deer 

ir i h _~ir. specie? ?:rri:r.= :: rr.-«:.e = h = ve zee- t .-.'-: en 
:"r: the li'.-ir.r sjh-'etrt. 5_her:h- f-trr. trier. '- = . =r.i hun- 
dreds of the trichina have been found in the structure of 
the muscles. Of all animals, the hog is most subject to 
trichina, and their existence makes the meat of this ani- 
mal entirely unfit for food. The great trouble is in detect- 
ing; their e:::5ten:e. Yiu rr. = y f .-■■- t: :-_: = = r.ds ::* them 
;: = : before ; : r vc a : not be able to see them without 
the aid of a microscope. Dry ham, and fresh pork, often 
;:nrsh- these :r':r.:- = = = n: t~ e tihe :r.t: rrnsiierz- 
k d t he h:t that we cannot tell of their existence by die 
r^he: eye "e ire =t = :? ; h:~ t: pr::ee: ~."!t 
ht see:: .r.r The rr.iy sue != t: =.b stair: ~:rr. it 

a ltogeth er have it cooked in boiling water, as nothing 
but the b tiling tttir.t : h them. 

5v::?t:ms — The symptrms resemble typhus fever. all 
extern there if ttt er.ii-rem er.t : :' the stheen : the :u: =r.i 
i:h:-.r ::" the m _-:ie- re very : ":u- Llss rube retires- 
rizr. seer interrupter; irss -f appetite he?.: :-.r:i hr rst 
?.bbt men pEir.hu'. =r.i rvuhr -tirhrs- tu limbs 're: ::: 
culse. reueri. ieranvemer.t :■: the setreritns. urh.e scant 



terminate :-. urramy there is i grauua. in; 
return t: i healthv -tanhari. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 287 

Sausage poisoning in Germany is almost identical in 
symptoms with that of trichina. 

The vitality of trichina is never destroyed, except when 
brought to a boiling point, and kept there for several 
minutes. 

Treatment. — The treatment of the old school is such 
that failure is the result in almost every case. The follow- 
ing has proved entirely successful in cases where it was 
taken in time : 

R. Santonine 20 grs. 

Oil turpentine i oz. 

Dissolve the santonine in the turpentine, and give 20 
drops on sugar, three times a day. Benzine is the never 
failing antidote, and should be given all through the dis- 
ease. 

R. Benzine 4 dr. 

Licorice juice. .2 dr. 

Gum arabic 2 oz. 

Aqua mentha 8 oz. 

Mix, and shake well, give one tablespoonful every three 
hours during the day. 

TUBERCULOSIS. 

Idiopathic blood disease, in which the watery portion is 
increased, and the red corpuscles diminished. It is identi- 
cal with scrofula, and may be inherited, or acquired, if the 
patient is subject to depressing influences. In all diseases 
of this class, there is an exalted condition of the nervous 
system and circulation, long before the disease develops 
itself, which extra work, or strain, upon the nervous system 
causes the elaboration of an impure blood, or blood over- 
charged with albumen, liable, at any time, to produce effu- 
sion in the lungs, etc. As soon as effusion takes place, the 
watery portion^ is absorbed, leaving what is known as 
tubercles imbedded in the substance of the lungs, brain, or 
glands, where the effusion may have taken place. When 



288 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

the tuberculosis exists, it modifies and influences every 
other disease with which the patient is attacked, and, in 
fact, is a fruitful source of disease, or aid to their develop- 
ment, rendering them more difficult to cure. True, this 
condition may exist, lie dormant a life-time, unless called 
in play by some predisposing cause — some depressing 
influence ; a tendency of blood to some particular point, 
an arrest of functions, and development of local effusion, 
and tubercular formation, and the efforts of nature, being 
insufficient to throw off the disease, we have a form of 
ulceration, hemorrhage, etc. 

Tubercle is deposited, by preference, in the apex of the 
lung, the brain, mesenteric glands, etc. 

The usual, and, in fact, only way of curing or getting 
rid of tubercular deposits, are by elimination, absorption, 
and building up and giving strength to the whole nervous 
system, so as to obtain a healthy formation of blood, and 
a natural circulation, by which to prevent the continual 
formation of tubercles. 

In all cases of tubercles, or tendency thereto, there is 
great sympathy between the stomach and part affected, 
and we have a sort of indigestion, or delay in the process 
of digestion, and tendency to formation of acid. 

We must, in our treatment, have an eye to correcting 
this condition, build up the whole system, and strengthen 
the appetite and digestive functions. To this end, we 
would advise the syrup of hypophosphites before, and the 
comp. syrup of frostwort, with iodide of potass, after, 
meals, nux vomica at night ; a good, nutritive, blood-elab- 
orating diet, under which, if the vital powers are not too 
low, we shall soon find relief. 

TYPHOID FEVER. 

Among the numerous fevers to which the human family 
is subject, we have none so insidious, so depressing, so 
slow and dangerous as typhoid fever. Languor, lassitude, 
headache, general nervous debility, bleeding from nose, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 289 

throat, and in fact, may occur from any mucous membrane, 
slight cough, the face assumes a dark, purplish hue, the 
pulse is increased in number of strokes per minute ; the 
patient lies stupid and muttering, half sleeping, but at night 
wakeful and delirious. About the second week we have 
dullness of hearing, there is swelling of abdomen, and di- 
arrhoea, rose colored spots appear on the abdomen, these 
disappear upon pressure, and soon return when the finger 
is removed, gurgles under the hand when placed over the 
abdomen. Under ordinary circumstances, the typhoid 
symptoms remain three weeks, but if badly treated may 
run to six or eight weeks. One month with favorable sur- 
roundings will be necessary under most physicians ; under 
the old school practice I never knew one fully to recover 
under two or three months. 

Symptoms. — Small, wiry pulse, suppression of urine, 
brown coated tongue, sordes on teeth, hemorrhage from 
bowels, irritation and ulceration of bowels. 

Temperature generally runs to 104, if beyond that, pre- 
pare for a severe case, but if it sinks below, then you may 
know your patient is getting along all right. Hemorrhage 
and diarrhoea are characteristic of this fever, urine scant, 
high colored, rich in urea but deficient in chlorides. Ty- 
phoid may be complicated with pneumonia. 

We have usually a slow convalescence, a weak debilita- 
ted condition of the nervous system. 

The mesenteric glands, the spleen, and glands of the 
small intestines, are the first most effected in typhoid ; the 
glands go through all the stages of inflammation, conges- 
tion, ulceration, and induration, and the only indications of 
a cure is to hasten the elimination of the poison from the 
system and healing the ulceration. 

Treatment. — If called to a case of typhoid in the first 
few days, we can almost invariably abort it, or, at least, 
modify the symptoms so as to make it quite mild. If the 
stomach appears irritable, we would give an emetic of 



290 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

compound powder of lobelia, which is prepared as follows : 

R. Pul. lobelia seed 1 , 

Pul. eupatorium per, |aa$oz. 

Capsicum. y% 

Mix, and give one teaspoonful in a wineglass of hot 
water every fifteen minutes, until it acts as an emetic ; then 
follow with — 

R. Sulphate of quinine. 1 _ 

Prussiate of iron j- aa 10 grs. 

Capsicum 10 grs. 

Gelsem 3 grs. 

Mix well, and make six powders ; give one every three 
hours. Give fifteen drops tincture aconite every three 
hours, until the feverish symptoms have subsided. 

When the temperature of the body is diminished, the 
symptoms are favorable, and we may hope for rapid re- 
covery. Once established, it runs a certain course ; all 
the medical aid we can bring to bear will not stop it under 
fifteen days, and what is left for us to do is to conduct the 
patient through it as safely as possible. 

Aconite is our favorite remedy, and may be given every 
few hours during the day. Bathe the whole body with 
alkaline baths, three times a day, The bowels should 
never be disturbed, unless obstinately confined. In that 
case we would give — 

R. Rhei et potass 1 dr. 

Flu. ext. leptandrin 15 drops. 

This will gently move the bowels, and act upon the liver. 
The diet should be almost entirely liquid — milk, fresh 
boiled; beef-tea, and a very little pure brandy added to 
the milk. We may give a teaspoonful of brewer's yeast, 
in a cup of milk, twice a day. Give, during the day, fif- 
teen drops phosphoric acid, diluted in sweetened water, 
threet imes a day. 

There is very little use for medicine, other than that laid 
down as follows : If we fail to abort the disease, we will 
keep the pulse to eighty with tine, aconite foliate, — fifteen 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 291 

drops in water, — say, three or four hours apart. If there 
seems to be a tendency to putrescence, or fetor, give a tea- 
spoonful of brewers' yeast, in a wineglass of fresh milk, 
twice a day. Should there be diarrhoea, give the following : 

R. Flu. ext. geranium., ^ 

Hamamelis ! -. 

-d i r aaioz. 

POpUlUS.: j Z 

Prunus j 

Brandy 4 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful as often as there is an action on 
the bowels. If the bowels are constipated — obstinately 
so — give : 

R. Syrup rhei et potass 1 dr. 

Flu. ext. leptandrin vir 15 drops. 

Give at a dose, and repeat if necessary. Attend to the 
bladder to see that retention does not exist ; and, if we 
give anything additional, it should be either ten drops oil 
of turpentine three times a day in sweetened water, or six 
drops of nitro-muriatic acid in water three times a play. 
Keep the patient in the recumbent position all through 
the disease. Establish convalescence on tonics, among 
which we have none better than the following : 

R. Flu. ext. nux vomica \ oz. 

Flu. ext. hydrastis \ oz. 

Flu. ext. cinchona \ oz. 

Acid phosphor dil. \ oz. 

Dose, thirty drops in sweetened water, before each meal. 
Light, nutritious diet is also essential. 

TYPHUS FEVER. 

A contagious fever, arising solely from animal miasma, 
usually due to over-crowding in ship, or prisons, and, when 
once established, it spreads rapidly. Duration, from 15 to 
20 days. The fever has a period of incubation, lasting 
from 10 to 12 days, after which a stupid, dull aspect of 
countenance, a heavy rash makes its appearance, skin dry, 
19 



292 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

harsh, and assumes a sallow hue ; thirst extreme, and con- 
stipation obstinate ; all the symptoms are aggravated to- 
wards evening, irritable, restless, and sleepless nights. On 
the seventh day, the peculiar rash makes its appearance, 
and consists of a true measly eruption, appearing, at first, 
in irregular spots, of a dusky, or mulberry-colored, appear- 
ance. These eruptions disappear on pressure, and appear 
as if raised above the surface — appear, first, in the face and 
chest, and remain until the end of the fever. During the 
first week, we have stupor, profound lethargy, want of 
sleep, conjunctivitis, ingestion, deafness, noise in the ear, 
obstinate constipation, never diarrhoea, patient lies in a 
stupor, dozes, but restless withal ; temperature usually 
ranges at 104°, respiration 40°, urine diminished in quan- 
tity, increased in urea, but deficient in chloride — sometimes 
we have complete suppression of urine. 

As the case proceeds, we have great prostration, muscu- 
lar twitching, coma, delirium. If convalescence is going to 
take^place, it commences about the fourteenth day ; the 
change is perceptible — diminishing of all the symptoms, 
and gradual restoration to a healthy standard. The com- 
plications are pneumonia, pleurisy, diarrhoea, suppuration 
of the parotid glands. 

If a fatal termination takes place, it may be looked for 
between the twelfth and twentieth days. There can be but 
little danger of mistaking typhus for typhoid fever. The 
measly eruption, stupor, color of the eye, and skin, consti- 
pation, and general mental debility, are peculiar to typhus, 
and are always present; but in typhoid the intellect is 
always clear, the eruption is not present, and we have 
diarrhoea. 

Wherever typhus fever prevails, there should be the 
most thorough efforts to keep everything clean and 
healthy; powerful disinfectants should be used the, patient 
placed in a well ventilated room, and plenty of fresh air, if 
possible ; the bedding should be changed every day, and, 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 293 

if at all cold, there should be a fire kept burning in the 
room all day; vessels, contairing chloride of lime, should 
be kept about the room. 

Treatment. — Should we have the case from the begin- 
ning, we would advise a thorough emetic of lobelia comp. 
as directed in typhoid fever ; after that, give the following — 

R. Podophyllin 2 gr. 

Leptandrin 4 gr. 

Mix, and make two doses. Give one in a teaspoonful 
of cream of tartar, and if the first fails to act, give a second 
six hours after. Use a bath of tepid or cold water, acid- 
ulated with nitro-muriatic acid. Sponge the whole body 
every three hours, if possible, keep the bowels open with 
small dose of syrup rhei et potass, keep cold to the head. 
When fever is high, beyond this, then our treatment should 
be the same as that recommended for typhoid fever. 

The powder of quinine and gelseminum comp. to con- 
trol the fever, aconite to keep the circulation in bounds, at- 
tend to the urine until it is relieved, use the catheter. The 
only diet admissible for some days is milk punch, or milk 
and brandy, white of eggs, essence of beef, etc. 
Convalescence should be established on — 

R. Chinchona comp 8 oz. 

Nitro-muriatic acid ■ 1 oz. 

Syrup 7 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful before each meal. 
R. Fluid ext. populus ^| 

Prunus vir ( , 

tvt > aai gr. 

Nux vomica f a b 

Hydrastis can J 

Dose, twenty drops in water, after each meal. Salt wa- 
ter baths, rest, attention to diet, etc., is all that is necessary 
after the fever has once abated. In all cases of fever, too 
much attention cannot be given to sponge, or cold water 
baths,*it equalizes the circulation and acts splendidly in all 
types of fever. Alkaline or nitro-muriatic acid baths are 
preferable in fevers. 



294 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

ULCERS. 

Ulceration may exist in a great many conditions, and de- 
pend upon many causes. Usually results from congestion, 
inflammation, or it may be entirely local in its origin; usu- 
ally depends upon constitutional causes, syphilis, scrofula, 
etc., etc. 

We must observe these indications, to be met in treating 
all kinds of ulcers : 

First, is support to the surrounding parts, bandage the 
limb from the extremities upward, above and below the 
ulcer, use slips of adhesive plaster, apply far enough to 
keep the edges from dropping, and to keep the edges in 
approximation. 

Pain must be entirely subdued, no sore ever heals while 
pain, or irritation, continues. Mild dressing is essential to 
heal an ulcer rapidly. I have found, in most cases, the 
following : 

R. Permanganate of potass 10 gr. 

Water 8 oz. 

Mix, and apply lint, saturated with this lotion. If there 
is^ fungus growth, apply caustic potass. , tor their destruc- 
tion, and dress with iodide lotion. Scrofulus ulcers heal 
best under a solution of sulphite of soda, or bayberry tea. 

The following, I have found excellent as a dresssing for 
all chronic, or irritable, ulcers : 

R. Fid. ext. hamamelis 1 aa 

" " myrica cer J J oz. 

Add a teaspoonful to a half pint of water, and wash the 
ulcer twice a day, using carbolic acid, dissolved in gly- 
cerine as a plaster. 

URAEMIA. 

A poisoning of the blood, following some diseases, in 
which albuminaria is in excess — cholera, scarlatina, and 
diabetes. 

Uraemic poisoning is due to an excess of urea in the 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 295 

blood, and its transformation into carbonate of ammonia in 
the blood. 

The effects of the disease are plainly visible upon the 
spinal cord and brain. 

Symptoms. — We have stupor, and difficulty of arousing 
the patient at all, complete coma, stertorous breathing, 
with all the symptoms of opium poisoning. In another 
variety, we have epileptic convulsions, affecting the entire 
muscular structure, while the mental faculties remain intact. 

We have a great many cases where coma and convul- 
sions are combined. 

The convulsions that occur during gestation in females is 
due to pressure and renal congestion — want of power in 
the kidneys to act so as to throw off the impurities. Sup- 
pression of urine is a common result of cholera, and other 
poisons in the blood. We have cases where the uric 
poisoning is so great that the whole secretions of glands, 
skin, etc., partake of the nature of the poison, and have 
the odor, taste, and appearance of urine. 

When it is the result of inflammation of the kidneys, 
we have skin hot and dry, thirst, nausea, vomiting, rapid 
pulse, tenderness of the abdomen on pressure, swelling, 
burning, pain in the region of the kidneys, constant incli- 
nation to urinate, with great pain on each attempt ; urine 
taste in mouth, urinous odor of the sweat, great anxiety 
and uneasiness. 

In total suppression, the symptoms will be much worse : 
all the evidences of poisoning, cerebral derangement, with 
retraction of the urethra, hiccough, pain in the head, de- 
lirium and coma. 

Treatment. — We must give active cathartic : 

R. Podophyllin ^ 

Jalapin Vaa 3 gr. 

Leptandrin .J 

Bi-tartrate of potass 30 grs. 

Make into three portions, and give one every three hours 
until they act freely upon the bowels. Then follow with 



296 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

nitro-muriatic acid, six drops every four hours, in sweetened 
water. Hot, or vapor, baths to keep the skin acting. 
Restore the action of the kidneys by the following, if 
possible : 

R. Fluid ext. Buchu comp 2 oz. 

Fluid ext. Gelsem £ oz. 

Dose, twenty drops. 

URINAKY CALCULI. 

These are of rare occurrence in very warm, or very cold, 
climates — the inhabitants of temperate zones being much 
more subject to calculus formation. 

Old people and children are, in a measure, exempt from 
it, apparently, appearing mainly in persons in the prime of 
life, and those of a gouty diathesis. 

The calculus formation is usually preceded by feeling of 
languor, derangement of the stomach, nausea, etc. Calculi 
are formed in liver, bladder, spleen, and brain, but most 
common in urinary organs. 

We have two distinct species, or chemical compositions, 
of calculi — that is, of acid nature, primarily, and of an alka- 
line nature. These are sub-divided into quite a number of 
classifications, by chemists ; but two-thirds of all the cal- 
culi, or gravelly formations, are of the lithic acid forma- 
tion. 

Next in frequency is magnesia, phosphoric acid, and 
ammonia. The lithic acid calculi are of a brownish color, 
inodorous, and extremely hard nature, are soluble in alka- 
line solutions — potash, for instance, — but insoluble in 
muriatic, or nitric, acid. 

The other variety is of a greyish white — irregular surface, 
and insoluble in alkaline solutions ; but, in a measure, 
soluble in acid-nitro and muriatic acid. 

Now, this being the case, we have a disease of, appa- 
rently, the same nature, requiring exactly opposite treat- 
ment. To determine just what kind of calculi we have, 
the following rule will answer every purpose : 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 297 

In the acid calculi, the sediment is of a red, or brick-dust, 
appearance, when the urine is left in the chamber; and, 
when the alkaline principle is the basis, we have a white, 
chalky sediment, or white appearance of the sediment after 
standing. 

Symptoms. — In calculi deposits, we have a sudden and 
severe pain, seeming to originate in the kidneys, running 
down into the groin, and down the thigh. The pain is so 
severe as to cause the patient to groan continually, although 
we may have slight remissions. Thirst, nausea, and vom- 
iting; cold surface, sweating, and feebleness — there is 
nothing that can be mistaken for the passage of stone, or 
gravel. Inflammation of the kidneys cause some similar 
symptoms, but the patient can always feel the gravel pass- 
ing, or moving in the bladder. 

Causes. — Irregular habits, rheumatism, scrofula, gout, 
hereditary taint, sameness of diet, cold, etc. ; want of 
exercise. 

Treatment. — To treat successfully, we must find to 
which class our case belongs ; if to the lithic acid class, we 
must resort to an alkaline treatment : Carbonate of ammo- 
nia, 1 dr., to a half pint of water ; take a teaspoonful three 
times a day. Also the following : 

R. Buchu "j 

Cubebs I aaloz. 



Hydrangea 

Eupator. pur 

Pure Holland gin 1 pt. 

Add to this J oz. iodide potass., and give a teaspoonful, 
before each meal. Avoid the use of sugar, alcoholic drinks, 
use vegetables in preference to an animal diet. 
For the alkaline class, give : 

R. Nitro-muriatic acid 1 oz > 

Water 3 oz. 

Mix. Dose, 40 drops in water, after each meal. Use 
celery, parsley, etc., as flavoring for soup, etc. Use a salt- 
water bath three times a week, and use a fruit and vegeta- 



298 THE AMERICAN* PRACTICE 

ble diet. Under this treatment, most cases of gravel will 
disappear in a few months. Vinegar, and pickles, acid of 
this class, always aggravate the first class of cases, while 
they seem to relieve the alkaline diathesis. 

URINE. 

Among other impostors, we have, in various sections of 
the country, men who claim to diagnose disease by mere 
observation of the urine. To satisfy the reader that such 
is an impossibility, I would make a few observations upon 
the appearance, etc.. of the secretions. 

Healthy urine is transparent, of a citron-yellow color, of 
a peculiar odor, and an acid, saline, bitterish taste. Urine 
passed, say, three hours after taking fluid only, is less 
colored, and less odorous, than that found soon after the 
digestion of a good meal ; that only which is passed inde- 
pendent of the direct stimulus of food, or drink, presents 
the true characteristics of natural, healthy urine. 

Quantity Passed. — Under ordinary circumstances, in 
health, an adult will pass thirty-two ounces in twenty-four 
hours — two pints in summer, and about three pints in 
winter. The skin, lungs, and bowels may supply the place 
of the kidneys, for a time, and the quantity of fluid passed 
will vary according to the condition of other secretory 
or^ans. We have an excess of urine in females, especially 
under the influence of emotion, joy, fright, grief, nervous 
disorder, hysteria, etc. Women and children pass more 
of the fluid, while men. who live freely, pass more of the 
solid principle of urine. 

Again, to show how unlike the urine of some individuals 
is, during twenty four hours, we have the specific gravity, 
after drinking freely of fluid, at 1003 to 1009, and, after a 
full meal, we will have it from 1020 to 1029, after a good 
night's rest, 1015 to 1030. 

Composition of Urine. — Now, we have hundreds of cir- 
cumstances combining to change the chemical composition 
of urine, and these change appearance, specific gravity. 






OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 299 

etc. We should not be surprised that two chemists, after 
analyzing the urine of the same subject, two hours apart, 
will differ materially. 

Therefore, there is no test, outside of chemical exami- 
nation, by which we can detect obscure disease. True, in 
acid calculi, or where the acid principle predominates, we 
shall have a red sediment, brick-dust like, and that, in 
alkaline calculi, we have white sediment, sometimes form- 
ing a hard crust, when allowed to remain in the chamber. 

In certain conditions of women, we have a peculiar, 
floculent sediment. This is described, more at length, in 
my book for women ; another condition, peculiar to males, 
is treated, fully, in "Nervous Vitality." Bloody urine is 
always visible to the naked eye, and need not be mistaken 
for something else. Other degenerations of the urine are 
treated, under proper heads, in this work. It is useless to 
enter into full details, as to chemical examinations, etc., 
as it cannot be done, save by proper apparatus. 

URTICARIA. 

A skin disease, due to derangement of digestion, uterine 
irritation, or rheumatism ; non-contagious, as the term goes 
but none the less troublesome. 

Treatment. — Give an active dose of the Eclectic pill at 
night, use a bath of lukewarm water, or soda and water, 
just enough soda to make the water alkaline. Use once, 
or twice, a day. Give the following, three times a day : 

R. Tr. aconite fol ^ 

Fid. ext. anthemis I aa 

" " asclepias f J oz. 

M serpentaria J 

Dose, 20 drops, after each meal. Give also ; 

R. Nitro-muriatic acid J oz. 

Aqua .2 oz. 

Dose, 30 drops, after each meal. This will cure any 
case in a few days. 



300 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

VERTEBRAE. 

Children, of a strumous diathesis, are very liable to dis- 
ease of the vertebrae (bone of the spine.) Caries is the 
most common variety, is seldom met with, execpt in those 
of the scrofulous diathesis. The disease sometimes com- 
mences in the substance of the bone, but, more frequently, 
about the articulation, or joints. The bone of the spine is 
more liable to take on disease than those of more solid 
basis, or structure. 

Symptoms. — The inflammation may get under good head- 
way without very urgent symptoms, but where it is fairly 
set in we shall have, in addition to the local pain in spine, 
a species of spasmodic convulsion, or irritation of the cord, 
which may produce complete paralysis of lower extremities. 

The existing causes are exposure to cold or sudden change 
of temperature, blows, or injuries ; sprains, or sudden 
jerks, or twists, with over-exertion of the muscles in at- 
tempting to lift heavy weights. 

It often exists for a long time without our knowledge, 
but if the symptoms appear as laid down above, we should 
carefully examine the spinal process one by one. 

Treatment. — We must remove the local excitement as 
far as possible, and correct the constitutional. To this 
end a good nutritious diet, as recommended under the 
head of scrofula, and, locally, counter-irritants of a mild 
nature. Salt-water baths, stimulating liniments, and plasters, 
all do good. Bathe the whole body with iodine bath — 
say one ounce of comp. tincture of iodine to a gallon of 
water. Keep the weight of the body off the spine as far 
as practicable. This is best accomplished by the recum- 
bent position. Strict attention to hygienic measures will 
be essential to success. The best treatment, however, is 
prevention. Where we find a patient laboring under a 
predisposition to scrofula, we should not wait for local mani- 
festations, but begin treatment at once. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 301 

VESICAL INFLAMMATION. 

Is ushered in with shivering, or chills, pain above and 
behind the pubes. This is aggravated and increased by- 
frequent desire to pass the urine ; fever, and local irritation. 
Pulse frequent, skin hot and dry, thirst, anxiety, scanty 
urine, high colored; nausea, vomiting, continual pain or 
burning in the bladder, great pain and difficulty in urinating, 
only passing a few drops at a time ; a feeling as of a band 
over the lower part of the abdomen. 

In more severe cases we have the most intense pain in 
the loin and urethra, and the lower part of the bowels, 
causing terrible suffering while at stool. 

Cold extremities, deathly hue of countenance, convul- 
sions, and death about the beginning of the second week, 
occurring from gangrene or mortification of the bladder. 
In cases of a milder type, we have the inflammation gen- 
erally disappear, and the functions of the bladder, and 
whole system return to a healthy standard. 

When the whole inner surface of the bladder is involved 
we shall have the urine mixed with blood, accompanied 
with severe pain and throbbing. Termination may be 
chronic inflammation, suppuration, resolution, or gangrene. 

Cause. — Sometimes produced from blows, falls, concus 
sion, improper force in introducing the catheter, bougies, 
and the use of forceps during labor, gravel stones, gonor- 
rhoea, stimulating injections into the uretha and bladder, 
suppression of menses, exposure to cold, sudden change 
of temperature, local inflammation, etc. 

Treatment. — In acute inflammation of the bladder, we 
shall find nothing equal to aconite and gelseminum. The 
following combination is excellent — 

R. Tinct. aconite fol , "| 

Tinct. gelsem super > aa J oz. 

Hyosciamus ) 

Dose, thirty to forty drops, every three hours, until the 
circulation and intense pain is controlled. 



302 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Apply flax-seed or other warm poultices over the region 
of the bladder ; elm tea, or mucilage of gum arabic, as a 
drink. 

When it terminates in chronic inflammation or catarrh 
of the bladder, we shall find the following : 

Symptoms. — Frequent and urgent desire to void urine, 
with pain in bladder and urethra. We have discharge of 
mucous amounting, in some instances, to a pint a day of a 
white or greenish hue, sometimes streaked with blood. 
The other symptoms are the same as the acute, only in a 
modified degree, not so severe. We have, as the disease 
advances, ulceration taking place, and the mucous chang- 
ing to a pus. General strength diminishes, emaciation en- 
sues, and hectic supervenes. 

Causes. — Chronic inflammation of the bladder is a result 
of other diseases, as fever, exposure to damp or cold ; from 
calculus in bladder, enlargement of the prostrate glands. 
Much more frequent among the aged and male sex than 
among the young and female. Alcoholic drinks often bring 
it, and as a tendency to rheumatism and gout. In the early 
stages, we may reasonably expect a cure, but after ulcera- 
tion has taken place, we can only hope to relieve. 

Treatment. — Give the aconite fol. and hyosciamus three 
or four times a day to control, and, in addition to this, our 
main reliance will be upon injecting the bladder with water 
medicated with nitric acid, say ten drops to a pint of water. 

Irritated bladder is a result of protracted inflammation ; 
patient gets so that he can retain only a small quantity of 
urine at a time before the bladder contracts and expels it, 
producing incontinence of urine. 

Diffusive inflammation is another source of irritable blad- 
der, as the use of drastic, diuretics, turpentine, canthari- 
des, etc. Relief invariably follows the passing of the urine. 

Treatment. — In irritable bladder, nothing is so good as 
the following: 

R. Fluid ext. ergot 1 oz. 

Tinct. belladonna 1 oz. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 303 

Mix, and give ten drops, three times a day, after meals. 
Give 20 drops muriate tincture of iron before each meal. 
If there is much debility, give the glycerine and phos. 
comp. 

Should we have congestion, bromide of potass., in small 
doses, say ten grs., three times a day. 

• VOMITING AND RETCHING. 

Vomiting is the result of forcible and repeated contrac- 
tion of the stomach, with relaxation of the muscles of the 
chest at the same time. The contraction of the stomach 
is promoted by the spasmodic contraction of the walls of 
diaphragm and abdomen. 

Retching is an effort to empty the stomach, often re- 
peated, yet futile — because the stomach is already empty, 
or the cardiac muscles contract, so as to prevent expulsion 
of contents. 

The symptoms of vomiting are well marked, and require 
no description here. 

Cause. — May be indigestion, or indigestible food, or 
other disorders of the stomach ; extremes of temperature, 
fatigue, anxiety, mental emotions, etc. 

Treatment. — If the cause is an overcrowding of the 
stomach with food, it is an effort of nature to rid the 
system of a load, which would do injury if retained, and, 
therefore, we should aid the natural efforts, by giving 
freely warm water, until the stomach is thoroughly washed 
out ; after that, a tablespoonful of coffee will be sufficient 
to allay it, in most cases. 

If there is acidity, and vomiting becomes of daily 
occurrence, we may correct by giving twenty grains of 
sulphite of soda in a wineglass of water, three times a day. 
Give, also — 

R. Tinct. Pulsatilla ^ 

Tinct. nux vomica ! i 

Fluid ext. chamomile ( * 

Fluid ext. diascorea J 

Dose, 20 drops in water, after each meal. 



304 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

WHITLOW. 

We have three varieties of felon: cutaneous, sub-cuta- 
neous, and tendonous. The first is an inflammation of the 
last joint of the finger, with acute, burning pain, the forma- 
tion of a bloody pus, which elevates the skin, assuming a 
puffed appearance. 

The sub-cutaneous is deeper, and more painful and tedi- 
ous, causing great pain, throbbing, and the forming of pus 
below the nail. 

The tendonous affects the deep-seated tissues. 

Treatment. — Hold the finger in almost boiling hot 
water. If this fails, keep a poultice of — 
R. Pulverized lobelia seed. 
Iris versicolor. 

Equal parts. Make into a poultice with soda-crackers, 
and keep constantly applied until resolution or suppuration 
takes place. 

WHY NECK. 

This is a deformity from muscular contraction of the 
neck, turning the head to some unnatural position, and 
confining it there. Disease of the vertebrae, wounds, etc., 
may produce this deformity. We have met with cases due 
to a deposit of bony matter, confining the muscles to one 
position ; partial paralysis sometimes precedes it. A case 
was brought to me some months ago where the knife of a 
surgeon had produced it, carelessly opening a carbuncle in 
a boy of twelve years. 

Treatment. — Friction, electricity, and muscular efforts 
to overcome the contraction, if from mechanical causes ; 
but if from rheumatism, then that must be removed, and 
the efiects will go with the removal of the cause. 

Division of the muscle is sometimes necessary, but should 
be the last resort, and then carefully attended to, else we 
may aggravate the trouble. 

Should the disease be discovered when first appearing, I 
would recommend friction and electricity, with bandage at 
night. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 305 

This will stop most cases at once. Give bromide of 
potass., five grains, three times a day, before meals, with 
ten drops tine nux vomica, after meals. 

YELLOW FEVEK. 

An epidemic fever, confined to tropical climates, and a 
very dangerous fever : infectious, but the male sex is much 
more obnoxious to this disease than the female. 

Symptoms. — Appears suddenly; languor, loss of appetite, 
giddiness, headache, mental depression, coldness of sur- 
face, chilliness ; followed by a fever of a few hours dura- 
tion. In some cases, we have the prostration without 
fever — stupor, coma, and convulsions taking the place of 
fever. When fever is present, it grows worse towards 
evening, pulse is quick, skin dry and hot, eyes painful, face 
flushed. We have intense nausea and vomiting, retching, 
thirst intense ; urine scanty and yellow, or dark red color; 
constipation, no bile, distressing restlessness, anxiety, de- 
lirium. If a favorable termination is expected, we have the 
symptoms abating on the second day, the skin becomes 
moist, assumes a yellowish hue, the symptoms all abate, 
and patient feels much better ; copious stools of bilious 
nature ; and, if the improvement is permanent, we have 
convalescence fully established. Usually, the improvement 
is of short duration, when the symptoms return with re- 
doubled force, and the skin assumes a dark brown, the 
vomiting of a dark, bilious matter, urine suppressed, or the 
secretions, rather, are stopped. The whole body assumes 
the peculiar jaundiced condition. The gums, nose, and 
every mucous membrane may bleed ; stools offensive, and 
closely resembling tar in appearance, pulse almost imper- 
ceptible ; slow, difficult breathing, difficulty of swallowing 
and speaking, bloody urine, gangrene in patches. 

Death comes on with convulsions, but frequently the 
patient retains consciousness to the last. 

In this fever the whole system, especially the stomach, 
liver, bowels, nervous and circulating system, is under the 



306 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

influence of a powerful poison ; the functions are all 
arrested. 

There is too much carbon in the system — more than 
the lungs can purify — hence the fatality of this disease. 

Result. — Exhaustion, blood poisoning, or apoplexy; 
duration, three to five days ; mortality, greater than any 
other fever we have met with. 

Treatment. — If anything is to be accomplished by treat- 
ment, it must be active and energetic. An emetic, to 
begin with, and, for this purpose., nothing is so good as 
compound powder of lobelia, twenty grains, in some stim- 
ulating tea. After free action of the emetic, a vapor bath, 
until we get up a thorough action on the skin, liver, 
kidneys, and bowels ; to this end, after the vapor bath, 
give podophyllin and leptandrin. with cream of tartar — this 
will generally rouse the bowels and kidneys at the same 
time. Keep the feet bathed with tincture cayenne pepper. 
Champagne, ice, or pepper sauce, should be given to stop 
nausea. This is easily made, as follows : 

R. Vinegar 1 pt. 

Common salt 60 gr. 

Capsicum 30 gr. 

Mix thoroughly, and give a tablespoonful every ten 
minutes, till vomiting ceases. 

To control fever, give — 

R. Sulp. quinine 11 grs. 

Pulv. capsicum 11 grs. 

Chloride soda 11 grs. 

Give the above preparation every two hours. 

Let the drink be water, acidulated with nitro-muriatic 
acid. Let the diet be beef tea, or arrow root. Keep your 
patient in an airy room, well ventilated ; confine to the 
recumbent position ; cold to the head ; warmth to the 
feet. 

If you are exposed to the yellow fever, live on a plain, 
nourishing diet ; avoid all depressing agencies, medicine, or 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 307 

alcohol, sexual excess, etc. Have a proper amount of 
sleep ; up-stairs rooms are best for those exposed ; daily- 
baths, etc. 

Under proper treatment, the disease can be aborted, or 
cured ; and under proper hygienic means it need not be 
contracted. 

Keep all the secretions regular, and have an eye to the 
action of liver, kidneys, and skin. 



PHYSIOLOGY IN BRIEF. 

Supposing your age to be fifteen, or thereabout, you 
have 100 bones, and 500 muscles ; your blood weighs 
twenty-five pounds ; your heart is five inches in length, 
and three inches in diameter ; it beats seventy times per 
minute, 4,200 per hour, 100,800 times per day, 36,722,200 
per year. At each beat, a little over two ounces of blood 
is thrown out of it, and each day it receives, and discharges, 
about seven tons of that wonderful fluid. Your lungs will 
contain a gallon of air, and you inhale 24,000 gallons per 
day. The aggregate surface of the air-cells of your lungs, 
supposing them to be spread out, exceeds 29,000 square 
inches. The weight of your brain is three pounds ; when 
you are a man, it will weigh about eight ounces more. 
Your nerves exceed 10,000,000 in number. Your skin is 
composed of three layers, and varies from one-fourth to 
one-eighth of an inch in thickness. The area of your skin 
is about 1,700 square inches; each square inch contains 
3,500 sweating tubes, or perspiratory pores, each of which 
may be likened to a little drain-tile, one-fourth of an inch 
long, making an aggregate length of the entire surface of 
your body of 201,166 feet, or a tile-ditch, for draining the 
body, almost forty miles long. This is a healthy standard, 
but, under excitement and disease, the action of the heart 
is increased from seventy to one hundred, or more, and the 
respiration, or breathing, is increased ; in fact, the whole 
system is under the necessity of performing double labor, 
20 



30S THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

but, usually, we have one, or more, secretions suspended, 
and some other organ is under the necessity of taking its 
place. When the skin ceases to act, the kidneys must 
take its place, and so on to the end. It will appear to the 
most casual observer that, if we expect long life, or fair 
health, we must avoid all over stimulation, emotion, and 
excitement that tends to diminish nerve-force, and that 
puts most important organs on double duty. All alcoholic 
drinks tend to shorten life ; the use of tobacco, opium, and 
all other stimulants tend to the same end ; over-physical, 
and mental, labor will also tell in the end. There are cer- 
tain hygienic laws which, if obeyed, will add length of 
days, and immunity from disease. While it is not possible 
to lay down a rule, or establish a standard, to regulate all 
mankind, yet the following rules will meet the requirements 
of most individuals : 

First, as to sleep; children require more than adults, and 
middle, or active, life more than old age. Women, as a 
rule, sleep more than men ; in fact, require more. In 
children, from ten to fifteen hours, in the twenty-four, is 
about the average for sleep ; in adults, eight to ten, and, in 
middle life, six to eight ; in old age, six is about the average 
number of hours required. Sleep may be enjoyed best, in 
this climate, in the night time, but I do not deem the time 
so important as the number of hours. Sleep all that nature 
requires, and, to do this, we need plenty of exercise, an 
easy conscience, a well-ventilated sleeping apartment, and 
a healthy nervous system. We will then not be particular 
as to our couch, whether it is of down, or something more 
tangible. Exercise : Some thrive on in door employment, 
while others require active exercise of the muscles. I be- 
lieve that a healthy man, or woman, who has attained to 
the age of twenty, may, with safety, labor ten hours out of 
the twenty-four, so they do not exceed their strength, and 
powers of endurance. Some men labor almost two-thirds 
of their time, and suffer no inconvenience. 1 believe that 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 309 

ten hours for work, eight for sleep, and six for recreation, 
would be a good rule. 

Regular meals are all-important ; we should have a time, 
as well as a place, for everything, and observe it punctually, 
say, breakfast at eight, dine at two, and a light lunch at 
seven, p. m., would give the digestive powers good time, 
and if joined with plenty of air, and exercise, would almost 
drive dyspepsia from the land, especially if due care was had 
of what we eat. It is not the quantity that makes us fat, 
but the quality, and so it is not so much the quantity that 
makes us sick, if at all wholesome, but the quality, improp- 
erly cooked, and taken at any and all times. 

Bathing : Cleanliness is essential to health, and, as wate r 
is free, and soap cheap, there is less excuse for filthy habits 
than anything else. One may be too poor to wear good 
clothes, but not too poor to have a clean face, a clean body. 
If you do not like cold water, have it warm, and if you 
only want to wash with water, do so, but, if you prefer, it 
is best to get in the water, and have a good bath, a real 
bath. Turkish baths are not good for universal application, 
as they predispose to colds, and are rather too debilitating 
to weak constitutions; a salt-water bath is good. If one- 
half the money expended to regain health was used to 
retain it, before it is lost, we should have a happy change 
in this generation. Clothing: This is an important part of 
hygiene. The clothing should be warm, and comfortable, 
not close enough to impede the circulation, or too loose to 
retain the warmth, and absorb the moisture, of the body. 
Clothing should not be changed to suit the changes of the 
weather, but should be about equal, viz: same texture all 
summer, and when once changed for winter, let it be the 
same until May, or June. We are then protected from 
changes. 

Air: Much of the disease, ill-health, in the cities, comes 
from lack of ventilation, and inhalation of impure air. 
Many times, have we visited tenements, where a dozen 



310 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

were occupying rooms unfitted for one to live, and 
breathe, in safety. Air, and sunshine, are necessary to 
perfect health, and so we get light and warmth from the 
sun, it is no difference whether it is through a blue glass, 
or direct from the sun, without any glass, and we have no 
doubt that all the virtues attributed to blue glass are due 
to the sun, and its warmth upon those who sit under its 
shadow. If we come into the world, are born free and 
equal (and by this I mean free of hereditary taint), and 
thus have an equal chance with all the world to enjoy a 
long life of perfect health, and if we do not, I have no hes- 
itation in saying, it is our own fault ; and, though we 
would like to have Providence take the credit or the blame, 
we cannot deny that it is our own short-comings. To sum 
up all in a few words, observe the natural laws of growth, 
maturity, and decay ; live as near right as you can, and let 
not the cares of life take hold upon you, and you will enjoy 
health, happiness, and long life. 

DISPENSARY. 

In this volume, designed for the people, I have not 
attempted to give more than an outline of the cause, 
symptoms, and treatment of diseases common to both 
sexes. For a full description of diseases peculiar to the 
sexual system, I refer the reader to my pamphlet 
— " Nervous Vitality ", for the male, and "Woman and 
Her Diseases ", for the female. In omitting that class of 
diseases, I have prepared a volume to which all the family 
can properly have access at any time. I have not attempted 
to give the anatomy, or physiology, of the human body in 
this work ; neither have I attempted to give a materia 
medica, or botany. It has, in my opinion, been the 
greatest fault of those who have attempted to give a work 
on domestic practice to combine too much. One before 
me has anatomy, materia medica, dispensatory, and obstet- 
rics all in one ; and, while its teachings were well enough, 
in that day, it was not a fit book for the centre table, j 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 311 

do not tell my readers to go to the woods and procure 
their medicine — they cannot do it, and it would be a dan- 
gerous experiment if they did — as only those whose 
knowledge of botany will enable them to make no mistake 
should attempt this. True, we have in our forests medicinal 
plants in abundance ; but in this, as in everything else, 
this is a progressive age, and it is cheaper, and safer, for 
every family to get a supply of the remedies herein set 
forth, and keep them on hand, ready for use. Five or ten 
dollars, invested in this way, will enable you to treat all the 
acute diseases of your family safely, and with a better 
prospect of success than if you had to send five, ten, and, 
often, twenty -five miles, for a physician. While I am not in 
the drug business, I will aid any of my patrons, who pur- 
chase this volume, so far as to procure and send the arti- 
cles mentioned as suitable for family and practice. If 
you live in a city where you can procure them as you need 
them, then it is unnecessary to send to me. Medicine sent 
out under my care is always labelled with dose, lowest 
and highest, and cannot injure, in the proportions 
directed. 

I can do no more in the following pages than give you 
the names, combinations, and medical properties of the 
medicines recommended in the preceding pages. 

The prescriptions that follow are the result of years 
of experience, and are given with the hope that they may 
benefit the afflicted. 

ACONITE NAPEL. 

SEDATIVE. 

The aconite is the most powerful and reliable of the 
narcotics. Its action in medicinal dose, is that of a direct 
sedative, relieving pain without exciting the nervous sys- 
tem, and does not constipate. 

It is one of our most reliable remedies in all acute neu- 
ralgic affections, not chronic, or complicated with consti- 
utional taint. It may be used in all cases where we wish 



312 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

to control the circulation and relieve pain ; is indicated in 
gout, cancer, cutaneous diseases, amaurosis, epilepsy, and 
intermittent fevers, disease of the heart, and inflammation 
of the brain, lungs, pleura, and all intestinal or internal 
inflammations. In the diseases where it is indicated, it 
will appear in the treatment in this volume. 

The tincture of the plant is the part used. Dose of the 
tincture, ten to fifteen drops, in water, every three or four 
hours, until relieved. For children, in proportional dose. 

AMTCJS RUBRA. 

ALTERATIVE. 

Red, or tag alder, is alterative, emetic, and astringent ; 
but never prescribed only as an alterative. It enters into 
the alterative syrup of the Eclectic Dispensary. It is used 
with good results, alone or combined, in scrofula, scurvy, 
syphilis, and ulcer? : also, valuable in hemorrhage from 
the bladder, kidneys, lungs, etc. Favorite preparation, fluid 
ext. 

Dose of fluid extract, forty to sixty drops before each 
meal. 

AHTHEMIg NOBILL-. 

CHAMOMILE— ALTER ATI YE. TONIC, AND EMETIC. 

Chamomile, when given in small doses, acts as an alter- 
ative ; in large dose, as an emetic. Is indicated, and used 
with good results, in typhus fever, colic, spasm of stom- 
ach, hysteria, and nervous diseases ; and is highly useful 
in diseases of women. 

Dose of fluid ext., thirty to sixty drops, three to four 
times a day, according to the disease. A teaspoonful will 
act as an emetic. 

APOCYNTJM CAiraABINUM. 

TONIC, ALTERATIVE, DIAPHORETIC. AND EXPECTORANT. 

Few medicines possess so many active properties as this 
species of the Indian hemp. Taken internally, it has four 
different and distinct operations upon the system. 1. As 






OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 313 

an emetic; 2. as a purgative; 3. as a sudorific; 4. as a 
diuretic. In medicinal doses, it produces nausea; repeat, 
and it acts as an emetic ; soon after this, it will act freely 
upon the bowels, producing copious watery discharges. 
Next, it operates upon the skin in copious perspiration, 
and to these combined effects we attribute its value in 
dropsy. Its diuretic action is not always so well marked. 
I have seldom prescribed it, except in cases of dropsy, for 
which I prize it, in connection with tonics, as among the 
best, if not the best, remedies we have. 

Dose of the fluid extract, five to fifteen drops, in water, 
three times a day. 

ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA. 

SNAKE ROOT. 

Stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, and diuretic. Serpentaria 
is valuable in all cases of fever, and especially in typhoid 
conditions, when stronger or more active stimulants can- 
not be borne. Good as a gargle in malignant sore throat ; 
splendid as a tonic in dyspepsia, and prescribed with good 
results in many female complaints. Combined with cin- 
chona and hydrastis, it is good in intermittent fevers. 
I prefer the compound tincture and fluid extract 
Dose of fluid extract, thirty to forty drops ; compound 
tincture, fifteen to thirty drops. 

ARNICA MONTANA. 
leopard's bane. 
Arnica, though of universal application, externally, is so 
very poisonous that I have always refused to prescribe it 
internally. It may be procured in form of tincture from 
any druggist, and is splendid in inflammation, burns, and 
bruises, where the skin is unbroken. Enters into a great 
many liniments, for which see the formula, under that head. 

ASPLDIUM FILIX MAS. 

MALE FERN. 

The oil of male fern is one of the best remedies for ex- 



314 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

pelling tape- worm. The prescription, or combination, for 
this is given under that head. 

Dose, ten to fifteen drops, three ::mes a day, on sugar. 

ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. 

7IZUBISY ROOT — BUTTEEFLY WEED. 

Diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, and anti-spasmodic. 
One of our best remedies in pleurisy, rheumatism, pneu- 
monia, catarrh, and febrile diseases generally ; is good in 
pericarditis, or heart disease. It is among the best family 
medicines we have, and is perfectly harmless ; will arrest 
pleurisy in iess time than it takes to call in a physician, and 
is our best diaphoretic in pneumonia. 

Dose, fluid extract, twenty to forty drops, repeated every 
two or three hours. 

ATEOPA BEIXADOXN'A 

I am not partial to the use of narcotics, but for external 
use. combined with glycerine, there is nothing better than 
belladonna for erysipelas and other inflammatory affect ms 
of the skin. It may be give:: also in small doses in neu- 
ralgia, spasms, and incontinence of urine, but it should be 
stopped as soon as it dilate- the pupil of the eye. Dose — 
tincture, ten to twenty drops, three or lo~: times a day. 

BAPTISIA TIXCTOBIA. 

WILD I3TDIGO. 

The wild indigo is splendid as an antiseptic to prevent 
gangrene, or mortification. It is extremely useful us a lo- 
cal and internal remedy. Ac: a teaspoonful fluid extract 
of baptisia to a gill of water, bathe the affected parts 
constantly until the danger is past. It is splendid in mer- 
curial sore mouth and malignant ulcer of throat. In fact, 
as a wash to all kinds of foul ulcers : it cannot be ex 
celled. Dose — fluid extract — fifteen t: twenty drops in 
water ; repeat three times a day. 






OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 315 

BAROSMA CREXATA, 

BUCHU. 

Stimulant, diuretic, anti-spasmodic and tonic This pre- 
paration has been extensively used as a diuretic, and rem- 
edy in troubles connected with the urinary organs. It is 
of value in excessive uric acid in irritation of bladder and 
uretha, in gravel, also in catarrh, and incontinence of 
urine connected with diseased prostrate gland. It is a safe 
remedy, not bad to take, but not entitled to all the 
credit claimed for it by the patent vendors. A splendid 
gravel remedy is the buchu compound, as prepared by the 
author's formula, given under that head. Dose — fluid ex- 
tract buchu — fifteen to thirty drops in water, three or four 
times a day. 

BERBERIS VDL 

BARBEBRY, 

Barberry is useful as a tonic and anti-periodic. Is often 
used in combination with quinine and salacine as a cure for 
chills. Also, valuable in dysentery, jaundice, chronic diar- 
rhoea, etc. Dose — fluid extract — fifteen to thirty drops, 
every two hours until relieved. 

CANNABIS IXDICA. 
ihdiah h~e:mp. 

Narcotic, nervine, and anaesthetic. This is one of the 
best and safest narcotics we have, and in tetanus, or lock- 
jaw, will relieve when all other remedies fail. Should be 
given in largest dose in these cases. In neuralgia it acts 
splendidly, in most cases, removing it at once. In deliri- 
um-tremens it is doubtless the most effectual remedy we 
have, next to gelseminum. Dose — fluid extract — five to 
ten drops, from three to four times a day, until relieved. 

CAPSICUM AOOI. 

CATENATE PEPPER. 

Cayenne pepper is a powerful stimulant. When taken 
into the stomach it produces a warm glow and sense of 



316 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

heat, not possessed by any other stimulant. It enters into 
liniments for rheumatism, etc., and is one of the most 
reliable remedies in malignant sore throat and scarlet fever, 
given internally, and used as a gargle. Sometimes, com- 
bined with lobelia as an emetic. 

Dose of fluid extract, five to ten drops. 

CHELIDONIUM MAJUS. 

GARDEN CELANDINE. 

Equal to Seltzer's aperient ; and, as a diuretic and sudo- 
rific it is good. Introduced here, for its effects in indolent 
ulcers and cutaneous diseases ; and, as a wash or fomen- 
tation to ulcers of that kind, it will cleanse and stimulate 
them to heal quite rapidly. 

Dose of fluid extract, ten to twenty drops, or even thirty, 
added to a gill of water, used as a wash to indolent ulcers. 

CHELONE GLABRA. 

BALMONY. 

Valuable in jaundice, and liver diseases generally, and 
for the removal of worms, it is said to have few equals. 
It improves the appetite, promotes digestion, and gives 
tone to the system in convalescence, after fevers, etc. 

Dose of fluid extract^ thirty to sixty drops, three times 
a day. 

CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM. 

JERUSALEM OAK SEED. 

As an anthelmintic, is unsurpassed. The seed should 
be gathered, dried in the sun, and pulverized, and a dose 
given night and morning, before breakfast, and just before 
retiring. After giving three or four days, follow with a 
good purgative It is more palatable in the fluid extract. 

Dose of fluid extract, one-half to a teaspoonful, as 
above. 

CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA 

BLACK COHOSH, BLACK SNAKE ROOT. 

The cimicifuga possesses more medicinal properties than 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 317 

any one medicine of which we have knowledge. It is 
alterative, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, tonic, diaphoretic, 
narcotic, and ecbolic. Its use is indicated in chorea, or 
St. Vitus' dance, varioloid, small-pox, rheumatism, neu- 
ralgia, epilepsy, consumption, nervous excitability, asthma; 
and in whooping-cough, it proves almost specific. It is one 
of our best remedies, in many derangements of the female 
sex. One of the indications of its effects, is a pain in the 
head, extending, in some cases, all over the whole system. 
While I do not attribute ail the virtues to it that some 
practitioners do, I deem it one of the best remedies we 
have in rheumatic and cardiac affections — far superior to 
cinchona or digitalis ; and in incipient whooping-cough and 
small-pox, it is a specific far preferable to vaccination, etc. 
Dose, of fluid extract, twenty to forty drops, in water, 
three times a day. 

CINCHONA. 

PERUVIAN BARK. 

Tonic, anti periodic, valuable in functional derangement 
of the stomach ; invigorates the nervous and muscular 
system, is useful in all exhausted, weakened conditions, 
scrofula, dropsy, consumption, and all diseases of a low, 
exhausting nature, not attended with fever. 

Dose, of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops 

CINCHONA COMPOUND. 

This is a combination of cinchona, orange peel, gentian, 
serpentaria, cloves, and red sanders, and may be obtained 
in the form of fluid extract. It is one of my favorite pre- 
scriptions, in connection with glycerine and phosphorus, 
and, as a nerve tonic, has no equal 

Dose, of the fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops. 

COCULUS PALMATU8. 

COLOIBO. 

Astringent, tonic, aromatic, and anti-emetic; sometimes 



318 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

prescribed in dysentery, bilious fever, and in the hectic 
fever of phthisis it is valuable ; not much used in our 
practice, but, when no better tonic bitters is at hand, it may 
be used. 

Dose, of fluid extract, twenty to sixty drops. 

COlfPTONIA A.8PLENIFOLIA. 

SWEET FERN. 

Tonic, astringent, and alterative ; it possesses all the 
properties of the tonic and astringent balsams; useful in 
dysentery, diarrhoea, haemoptysis, leucorrhea, etc. 

Dose, fluid extract, fifteen, twenty to sixty drops. 

CORYDALIS FORMOSA. 

TURKEY CORN. 

Tonic, diuretic, alterative — held in high repute by most 
eclectics. It combines tonic with alterative and resolvent 
properties, and is one of the ingredients of my comp. syrup 
of frostwort, so often recommended in diseases requiring 
an alterative treatment. 

Dose, of fluid extract, ten to forty drops. 

CURCUMIS COLOCTNTHIS. 

COLOCYNTH. 

Hydrogogue, cathartic, used in dropsy, and for the pur- 
pose of overcoming torpid condition of the biliary and 
digestive system ; not much used except in compound. 
Only enters into one prescription in this volume. 

Dose, solid extract, five to fifteen grains. 

CYPKIPEDirM PUBESCENS. 

LADIES 7 SLIPPER. 

Sometimes called American valerian, from its resem- 
blance, in effect, to the English valerian. It is diaphoretic, 
sedative, nervine, slightly narcotic, and anti-spasmodic ; 
useful in hysteria, chorea, nervous headache, and general 
nervous irritability ; splendid in epilepsy. It is good to 






OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 319 

relieve pain, produces sleep by quieting the whole nervous 
system, and not by stupifying the senses, as in opium, etc. 
Dose, of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops, repeated 
every two hours, if necessary, till relieved. 

DATURA. STRAMONIUM. 

THORN APPLE. 

This narcotic does not enter into a single prescription of 
mine for internal use. The stramonium ointment is splendid 
in some cases of hemorrhoids, or piles. It may be made 
into an ointment by simmering the fresh leaves in lard, or 
mutton suit, until the lard has taken up all that it will. It 
may be kept in boxes or jars for years, and used when 
needed. 

The dried leaves smoked, or burnt and the smoke in- 
haled, will relieve asthma at once. It is often prescribed 
for other diseases, and given internally, but we have less 
poisonous preparations that answer the same purpose. 

Dose, of fluid extract, 5 to 20 drops. 

DIGITALES PURPUREA. 

POX GLOVE. 

Narcotic, diuretic, and sedative, and is much used among 
the mineral school to retard the action of the heart. It is 
one of the remedies that must be given with care, and its 
effects closely watched, as it often accumulates in the sys- 
tem, and produces terrible symptoms unexpected. I would 
not advise its use without the aid of a physician, and if 
prescribed for you, would advise care in taking. 

Dose, of fluid extract, 5 to 10 drops. 

DIOSCOREA VILLOSA. 

WILD YAM. 

Anti-spasmodic, and one of the best medicines we pos- 
sess in derangement of the stomach, bilious colic, cramps, 
etc. It will control the most severe attacks of these dis- 
eases. Useful in nausea and vomiting, in fact, it has a 



320 



THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 



special affinity for the stomach, and controls most of this 
class of derangement speedily and promptly. Dose — fluid 
extract — five to twenty drops. 

EUPATOREUM PERFOLIATUM. 

BONESET. 

A warm infusion prepared from the fluid extract of this 
plant is emetic, sudorific, and diaphoretic. A common 
remedy in domestic practice, and used for chills and fever, 
rheumatism, typhoid pneumonia, catarrh, dropsy, and all 
fevers. I am not partial to the use of boneset, as it often 
acts as an emetic when we only intend it as a tonic, but its 
real value as a febrifuge is unequaled. Dose of fluid ex- 
tract, half to one teaspoonful. 

EUPATORIUM PURPURIUM. 

QUEEN OF THE MEADOW. 

This is one of the very best medicines for diseases of the 
kidneys and bladder that we have. It possesses astringent, 
stimulative and diuretic properties. It has the effect to 
change the secretion of the urine and remove the tendency 
to gravelly deposits. May be used in dropsy and all dis- 
eases where we want to act on the secretions of the kid- 
neys. It is harmless, as no bad effect follows an overdose, 
and withal, is a safe, reliable remedy. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to forty drops. 

GELSEMINUM SEMPERVIKENS. 

YELLOW JESSAMINE. 

Anti-spasmodic, nervine, febrifuge, narcotic. One of the 
most powerful medicines we have, if properly administered. 
I have used it with good results in nervous derangements, 
bilious and nervous headache, pneumonia, hemorrhages, 
and unhealthy discharges from mucous membranes ; acts 
well in diarrhoea, and dysentery, and in fevers it has no 
equal, will arrest any fever in from five to twenty hours, 
and abort even typhoid fever if taken in time. In medic- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 321 

inal dose, it is harmless, in overdose, poisonous, producing 
relaxation of the whole muscular system, at same time re 
lieving all pain, producing a dimness of vision, reducing the 
circulation rapidly and positively. Should it be taken in 
overdose, give brandy, quinia,' or aromatic spirits of am- 
monia. 

Dose, of fluid extract, three to twenty drops in water. 
When it produces dimness of sight, or double vision, it 
should be discontinued until the effects have passed off. 

GENTJANA LUTEA. 

GENTIAN. 

Possesses tonic powers, excites the appetite, invigorates 
digestion, increases the temperature of the body, and the 
force of the circulation ; useful in dyspepsia, gout, scrofula, 
intermitttent fever — in fact, where a bitter tonic is required, 
gentian is admirable. Some persons are so constituted 
that their stomach will not tolerate it at all, and this is all- 
important, as we must study the condition of the stomach, 
as well as the name of the diseases. I never prescribe the 
gentian alone, but, when I have occasion to use it at all, pre- 
scribe the fluid extract of gentian compound, composed 
of gentian, orange peel, cloves, cordomon, and red sanders ; 
this is more pleasant to the stomach than the gentian alone. 

Dose of the fluid extract, four to thirty drops. It is 
usually prescribed in sugar and water. 

GERANIUM MACULATUM. 

CKANESBILL, OR ALUM ROOT. 

Astringent, tonic; geranium maculatum is one of the best 
remedial agents we possess in active diarrhoea, or in bowel 
derangements generally, and in passive hemorrhage, I have 
found it relieve when all else failed. The fresh root, boiled in 
sweet milk, will often check the severest type of dysentery, 
and will cure without merely astringing or locking up the 
bowels. It possesses a peculiar tonic effect upon the mu- 



322 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

cous membranes, and to this end is useful in all excessive 
discharges of this character. The fluid extract is a con- 
venient form for administering it, and it may be repeated 
every two hours, until relieved. 

Dose, thirty to forty drops, in water, warm or cold, or in 
sweet milk. 

HAMAMELIS VIRGINICA. 

WITCH HAZEL. 

Astringent, tonic, sedative, and discutient. One of the 
best agents in the treatment of chronic ulcers, hemorrhoids, 
and excessive mucous discharges ; valuable in burns, ulcers, 
and as a local application in animal and vegetable poisons. 
Internally, it adds fibrin to the blood, and on that account 
is useful in aneurism, and anemic conditions of the blood. 

Dose of the fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops. 

HELIANTHEMUM CANADENSIS. 

FROSTWORT. 

Astringent, aromatic, bitter tonic, highly anti-scrofulous. 
No better remedy ever discovered for scrofula, than frost- 
wort. I have used it in all the forms of scrofula incident 
to a large city practice, and have found good results in 
every case. I prescibe it both alone, in fluid extract, or 
in combination, under the head of compound syrup of 
frostwort. 

Dose of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops, in water, 
three times a day. 

HELONIUS DIOICA. 

UNICORN 

Tonic, diuretic, and febrifuge. As a tonic, in loss of 
appetite, debility, and colic, it has few equals; and as a 
remedy in derangements of women, it has no equal. For 
a more extended description, see "The Diseases of Wo- 
men and Children." I have no hesitation in saying it is 
invaluable in nausea and vomiting. 

Dose of the fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 323 

HUMULUS LUPULUS. 

HOPS. 

Tonic, hypnotic, febrifuge, antilithic, and anthelmintic. 
Will produce sleep, relieve pain, and may be used when 
opiates are inadmissible ; used in delirium of drunkards ; 
in distressing wakefulness of the last stages of consump- 
tion ; to allay local irritation of bladder and appendages. 

Dose of the fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops. 

HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS. 

HYDRANGEA. 

The hydrangea is one of the best remedies we have for 
calculi in the bladder ; neutralizing, dissolving, and throw- 
ing off the concretions ; relieves the pain attendant upon 
the passage of gravel; and, as a diuretic tonic, it is good 
in all derangements of the genito-urinary organs. 

Dose, thirty to sixty drops, in water. 

HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS. 

GOLDEN SEAL. 

Tonic, bitter, highly useful in all cases of debility and 
loss of appetite. As a tonic, in derangements of the 
stomach and bowels, it has no equal, acts without nausea- 
ting; and, though intensely bitter, is not of that kind that 
the stomach often refuses to tolerate. It has a splendid 
effect in chronic mucous discharges, and acts slightly on 
the liver; is useful in intermittent and remittent fever, and 
in the debilitated condition that follows typhoid fever. 

Dose of fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops, in water, 
three times a day. 

INULA. HELENIUM. 

ELECAMPANE. 

Aromatic stimulant and tonic, expectorant. It is splen. 
did in coughs, colds, and pulmonary affections. I have 
often prescribed it in coughs and lung affections with good 
21 



324 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

effect, and it is also valuable in dropsy and skin diseases. 
Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops. 

IPOMERA JALAPA. 

JALAP. 

Cathartic, and has long been considered the medium be- 
tween the drastic and mild class of cathartics. Seldom 
used in my prescriptions, but sometimes combined with 
podophyllin and cream of tartar, when we want active ca- 
thartic action in dropsical swellings, etc. 

Dose, fifteen to thirty drops. 

IRIS VERSICOLOR. 

BLUE FLAG. 

This is one of the best alteratives, alone or in combina- 
nation. We look upon iris as one among the few remedies 
that never fail us. It acts upon the glandular system, stim- 
ulating the liver to a healthy action, and, in some cases, pro- 
duces an extra secretion of the salivary glands, similar to 
the effects of mercury, but without any secondary effects. 
In small doses it is harmless, and efficacious in all glandu- 
lar swellings, and as a poultice, in swelling, it is splendid 
to relieve pain and bring about resolution. 

Dose, of fluid extract, five to twenty drops. 

JUGLANDA OLNERIA. 

BUTTERNUT. 

This is a mild cathartic, anthelmintic and tonic, is much 
used in constipation and bowel derangements of children. 
I prefer it for this class of patients on account of its mild 
action, and the fact that it does not leave the bowels con- 
stipated at all. It is deemed efficacious in expelling worms, 
but I am not prepared to endorse it for this. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to sixty drops. 

JUNIPER. 
We have several varieties of juniper — the juniperis com- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 325 

munis, or juniper berries, and juniperis sabina, or savin. 
Juniper is considered diuretic, aromatic and stimulant, act- 
ing upon the kidneys and urinary organs with good effect 
in most diseases of the kidneys, skin, and is said to be 
splendid in dropsical effusions, dependent upon imperfect 
actions or secretions of the kidneys and skin ; long contin- 
ued, it is apt to produce stranguary, and irritation of the 
stomach and mucous membrane of urethra. 
Dose, of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops. 

JUNIPER SABINA. 

Oil savin is a remedy old as the practice of medicine, 
and its advocates claim for it anthelmintic, diuretic, 
emenagogue, and other properties. It is seldom prescribed 
in our practice, as its acrid nature makes it objectionable 
to the stomach. Its chief use is in rheumatic affections, 
and, locally, in liniment. 

Dose, of fluid extract, ten to twenty drops. 
LACTUCA. 

GARDEN LETTUCE. 

Carminative and diaphoretic, fulfilling, in a manner, the 
indications of opium, but attended with none of the de- 
pressing effects. It may be used in congestion, and affec- 
tions of the nervous system, combined with spikenard and 
wild cherry. It is good in common coughs, the result of 
seated colds, etc. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to sixty drops. 

LAURUS SASSAFRAS. 

SASSAFRAS. 

A stimulant, alterative, diaphoretic, and diuretic ; often 
used as a tea, until the blood is completely impoverished. 
I introduce it, more to warn my readers against the im- 
proper use of it; while it thins the blood and debilitates 
the whole system, it should be used only as a medicine, 
and not as a tea, or beverage. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops. 



326 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

LEOXTICE THALICTROIDES. 

BLUE COHOSH. 

Anti-spasmodic properties, are the main points for which 
we introduce it in this work. It is invaluable in the treat- 
ment of diseases peculiar to the female, but, in general 
practice, is employed, with good results, in rheumatism, 
coughs, colds, dropsy, hiccough, epilepsy, and all spasmodic 
conditions of the system. For farther use, and applica 
tion, see " Woman and Her Diseases." 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to forty drops. 

LEPTANDRIN YIRGLN T ICA. 

BLACK ROOT. 

This agent is peculiarly adapted to bilious and typhoid 
fever, causing discharges of a dark, tarry, muddied appear- 
ance, without debilitating, or giving rise to exhausting dis- 
charges from the bowels. It is extensively used in combi- 
nation with podophyllin, and is one of the ingredients of 
the Eclectic pills. I do not use it extensively, and do not 
find its medicinal properties as great as some would claim, 
but can say it is a real, reliable medicine in chronic liver 
derangements ; and, for active stimulation of the liver, the 
podophyllin and leptandrin are far superior to minerals, 
without the possibility of secondary effects. 

Dose, fifteen to sixty drops. 

LOBELIA IXFLATA. 

LOBELIA. 

Few agents contain so many properties, in such high 
degree, as the lobelia. Although I seldom prescribe it in 
my practice now, I have found it one of the most reliable 
emetics, nauseants, expectorants, relaxants, sedative, anti- 
spasmodic, diaphoretics, and narcotics. I am satisfied it 
acts better as an emetic than ipecac, will produce vomiting 
sooner; the reaction is more rapid; the circulation is im- 
proved ; and its secondary effects are not at all depressing. 
I have administered it as an emetic and as a nauseant, and 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 327 

have met with no bad effect. It is one of the best remedies 
in spasms, to relieve the attack, and for constriction of 
the organs cT respiration, it is splendid, Combined with 
asclepias, and given, just enough to act as a nauseant and 
expectorant, it will prove almost infallible in pneumonia, 
and in asthma. It acts, in most cases, like a charm. For 
croup, it is almost specific ; combined with sanguinaria, it 
is the best medicine for croup we have ever used. 

Dose of fluid extract, ten to sixty drops ; as an emetic, 
one-fourth to a teaspoonful. 

Compound fluid extract of lobelia is composed of lobelia, 
sanguinaria, and symplocarpis, equal parts. Dose as above. 

LYCOPUS VIRGINICUS. 

BUGLE WEED. 

Astringent, sedative, tonic, and expectorant. Used with 
good results in phthisis, hemorrhages from lungs, stomach, 
and other internal sources ; allays irritation ; diminishes 
the frequency of the pulse, and lessens cough. It is a 
good substitute for all narcotics, of whatever kind ; it will 
arrest bleeding from the nose, when all other means fail. 

Dose, of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops. 

MARRUBIUM VULGARE. 

HOARHOUND. 

Too well known to need a description, have used it as 
an expectorant in coughs and colds, and found good results 
in ordinary cases of colds. Used in the form of syrup, 
candy, or fluid extract 

Dose, ten to forty drops, in sugar and water. 

MYRICA CERIFERA. 

BAYBERKY. 

Astringent, stimulant and tonic. Has no superior as a 
cleansing and healing lotion to indolent ulcers, sore mouth, 
inflammation of throat, and for excessive mucous dis- 
charges from throat, nose, etc. it is splendid ; one of the 



328 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

best astringents we have in diarrhoea, and active dysentery. 
Dose of fluid extract, ten to thirty drops. 
Locally, a teaspoonful to a pint of water, used as a wash. 

NYMPH^EA ODORATA. 

WHITE POND LILY. 

Astringent, demulcent, anodyne, alterative, anti-scrofu- 
lous. I have used it in all cases where a good astringent 
application was demanded, and have found it one of the 
most reliable of its class ; in fact, the hamamelis, myrica and 
nymphaea are the very best combinations in the materia 
medica as a healing, cleansing wash for ulcers, abrasions, etc. 

Dose of fluid extract, fifteen to thirty drops. 

PHYTOLACEA DECANDRA. 



Emetic, cathartic, alterative, and narcotic. It is one of 
the best alteratives in poisons, and for mercurial and syphi- 
litic poisoning, it is reliable, acting upon the whole glan- 
dular system. It is a remendy, par excellence, in the treat- 
ment of cancer, scrofula, and glandular swellings generally. 

The root, roasted in the ashes and applied to felons, and 
tumors of small size, is excellent. The ointment is splendid 
in goitre or enlargement of the neck, and for itch it is per- 
fect, or specific. 

Dose of fluid extract, five to fifteen drops. 

PIPER CUBEBA. 

Chiefly used in combination, and for diseases of the 
genito urinary organs. It acts well in most cases of bron- 
chial inflammation, and, in small doses, is a valuable remedy 
in dyspepsia. 

Dose of fluid extract, ten to twenty drops. 

PIPER NIGRUM. 

BLACK PEPPER. 

Acts somewhat on the same principle of cubebs. The 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 329 

only use we make of it is as an anti-periodic ; combined 
with quinine, in chills and fever, it acts well. I use only 
the concentrated extract pepperine. 
Dose, one to two grains. 

PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM. 

MANDRAKE. 

Mandrake is alterative, emetic, cathartic, anthelmintic 
hydrogogue. sialogogue. It is a sure and active cathartic, 
and for this purpose has no equal. Small dose, often re- 
peated, acts upon the glandular system, and stimulates the 
liver to much better advantage than calomel, or mercury, 
and the results are far more satisfactory. As an alterative, 
in small dose, three times a day, it acts upon the circulation 
and secretions generally, and is valuable in cutaneous affec- 
tions. In bilious and typhoid fever, given in the early stage, 
alone or in combination with leptandrin, it will often arrest 
the fever at once. I could fill a dozen pages as to its merits, 
but I have not space ; and, in conclusion, will say that the 
podophyllin will do all that a good cathartic will do, and 
may be used in every instance where the blue pill, or calo- 
mel, would be given by the alopathic professors. 

Dose, of fluid extract, ten to forty drops. Powder of 
Podophyllin, one fourth to three grains. 

POPUL.US TREMULOID. 

POPLAR. 

Poplar has tonic and febrifuge properties, and is used 
in intermittent and remittent fevers, impaired digestion, 
chronic diarrhoea, and all cases of debility. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to forty drops. 

PRUNIS VERTIOILLATUS. 

BLACK ALDER. 

Tonic, alterative, and astringent, and is a local applica - 
tion to gangrenous or flabby ulcers ; and as an internal 
remedy is said to cure diarrhoea and jaundice. The red 



380 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

alder, alnus rub. is much the best, but this may be used as 
a substitute when that is not convenient. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to sixty drops. 

PRUNIS VIRGINICA. 

WILD CHERRY. 

Tonic and sedative to the nerves and arterial system ; 
quieting irritation and diminishing nervous excitability. 
On this account I often employ it in organic or functional 
derangements of the heart ; it has the effect to control the 
action of the heart and give tone to the system at the same 
time — properties not possessed by other preparations. It 
is far better than the digitalis, and safer than the hydrocy- 
anic acid. Its use is indicated in all cases of debility and 
general relaxation, and in convalescence, after fevers, etc., 
it has no equal, relieves the terrible hacking cough of bron- 
chitis and consumption, and without constipating or de- 
pressing effects. 

Dose, of fluid extract, twenty to forty drops. 

QUERCUS ALBA. 

WHITE OAK. 

Astringent tonic used in bowel derangements and gen- 
eral relaxed condition of mucous membrane ; may be ad- 
ministered in cases of weak, debilitated children. The sap 
of the white oak is almost specific in the first stages of 
deafness from cold and slight inflammation. The tea of 
white oak is used as a gargle in sore throat and spongy 
gums, and is of advantage in other mucous derangements. 

Dose, of fluid extract, five to forty drops. 

RHEUM PALMATUM. 

RHTJBAEB. 

The properties, and medical application, of rhubarb are 
too well known to require here an extended notice. I have, 
of late years, only used, or prescribed, it in the neutral- 
izing mixture, or syrup, rhei et potass, as directed in this 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 331 

volume. It is one of the safest, surest, and least objection- 
able remedies for bowel derangements of the summer 
season, and may be given with good results in all ages and 
conditions. 

Dose, of comp. fluid ext. rhei et potass., 15 to 60 drops. 

RHUS GLABRA. 

SUMAC. 

Alterative, refrigerant, astringent, and febrifuge. It is 
used in mineral poisoning, syphilitic ulcers, and in putrid 
sore throat and mouth, sometimes met with in long nervous 
fevers. Combined with honey, it is one of the best appli- 
cations for sore mouth in children. Its alterative effect on 
mercury, and syphilis, is well marked, and is well worthy 
of trial. 

Dose, of fluid ext., 15 to 60 drops. 

KUMEX CR1SPUS. 

YELLOW DOCK. 

Alterative, refrigerant, and tonic ; useful in scrofula, 
cancer, syphilis, leprosy, etc. In the treatment of itch, 
and other skin eruptions it is valuable. It is useful in 
affections of the liver, and in diseases where the gland- 
ular system has partialy ceased to perform its functions. 
It is slow, but sure, and will not disappoint; it is one of 
the principal ingredients in the cancer prescription, and is 
the basis of comp. syrup recommended in my book on 
women and children. 

Dose, of fluid ext., 15 to 40 drops. 

RUBUS STRIGOS1S. 

BLACKBERRY, OR BRIERBERRY. 

Astringent, and tonic, the root prepared in decoction, 
or a syrup made from the fruit, is often used in derange- 
ment of the bowels, and has a happy effect in most cases. 
The fruit makes a good syrup, wine, and jelly, much used 
in the South. 



332 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

The dose of the fluid ext. is from 20 drops to a teaspoon- 
ful, repeated as often as the urgency of the symptoms 
may demand. 

EUTA GRAVEOLENS 

RUE. 

On account of the acrid, poisonous nature of this do- 
mestic remedy, I would caution those who deem it a harm- 
less agent against its use. If given in large dose, or long 
continued, the patient may be left in a stupor from which 
recovery, if at all, is difficult, and entire paralysis of mus 
cles may ensue. Not recommended at all in my practice. 

SANGUINARTA CANADENSIS. 

BLOOD ROOT. 

Alterative, tonic, escarotic, emetic and expectorant. It 
is much used in combination with lobelia in croups, coughs 
and bronchial irritation ; will relieve the cough, and give 
tone to the stomach and digestive organs ; is good in dys- 
pepsia, etc. ; will destroy polypus tumors of a soft nature, 
and is used as an escarotic to fungus flesh in indolent ul 
cers ; acts well on the liver, and is one of the ingredients of 
catarrh snuff, sold all over the country. It stimulates the 
liver and bowels, and is of value in all cases of chronic de 
rangement of these organs. As a gargle or wash in dip- 
theria it has few equals, and for croup I would exchange it 
for no one remedy I have ever used. 

Dose of fluid extract, five to fifteen drops, in sugar and 
water. 

SCUTILLARIA LATERIFLORA. 

SKULLCAP. 

This is one of the most valuable of nervines we have. 
It is superior to valerian, unequaled by any of which we 
know ; its effects are not immediate, but if long continued, 
positive and permanent. It will control the nervous sys- 
tem, and is useful in chorea, epilepsy, tremors, intermittent 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 333 

fevers, neuralgia; in delirum tremens, used freely, it will 
soon produce a calm, quiet sleep, and in hysteria, it is 
almost infalliable. In the treatment of diseases, where the 
allopaths prescribe opium, and often send their victims to a 
living torment, this harmless remedy will relieve the pain 
and quiet the nerves. 

Dose of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops. 

SENECIO AUREUS. 

LIFE ROOT. 

Life root is diuretic and diaphoretic, and in warm infusion 
it is emenagogue; it possesses tonic and expellant proper- 
ties, but in a limited degree ; useful in strangury, and is 
splendid in those cases accompanied by nervous irritation. 

Upon the whole, it is a valuable medicine for many dif- 
ficulties, safe and effectual. 

Dose in fluid extract, fifteen to sixty drops. 

SMILAX OFFICINALIS. 

SARSAPARILLA. 

Sarsaparilla is chiefly used for its supposed alterative prop- 
erties, which are even now overrated. It may be used in 
all cases where a mild alterative result is wanted, either 
alone or in combination. I have never prescribed it save 
in the compound syrup, and have usually combined it with 
more powerful alteratives. 

Dose of fluid extract, one teaspoonful. 

SOLANUM DULCAMARA. 

BITTER-SWEET. i 

Narcotic, alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, and slightly 
tonic. Its best results are obtained in the cancer compound, 
and in the treatment of scrofula, syphilis, and mercurial 
taint it is of great value. Ulcers on the breast from indu- 
rated milk glands, and for skin diseases of the scaly variety 
it has no equal. 



334 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to forty drops. 
SPIGELIA MARILANDICA. 

PINK ROOT. 

Narcotic, anthelmintic, and cathartic ; a well-known 
remedy for worms. The form in which I have used it is 
combined with senna, and in the worm syrup. There 
is no doubt of its virtue in expelling worms, but should be 
given in the dose prescribed. 

Dose, spigelia and senna, twenty to sixty drops. 

STILLINGIA SYLVATTCA. 

STILLINGIA. 

In large dose, emetic and cathartic ; in small dose, alter- 
ative, with marked influence on the secretions, Stillingia 
acts well upon the glandular system, but is, in my judgment, 
inferior to the iris, in most cases, and, to be effectual, should 
be combined with other alteratives. Stillingia has been 
the basis for all manner of patent preparations, claiming 
unheard-of virtues ; but, like Jonah's gourd, they last but 
for a day, as it were. The oil of stillingia is used in sore 
throat and bronchial irritation. 

Dose, of fluid extract, five to fifteen drops. 

Dose, of compound extract, fifteen to sixty drops. 

STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA. 

NDX VOMICA. 

Tonic and sedative, with special tendency to the spinal 
marrow, or nerve centre. When there is too much blood 
in the brain, the nux vomica should not be given in any 
form of disease, on account of its tonic and sedative powers. 
It is one of our most valuable remedies in constipation, 
piles, inflammation of stomach, impaired nervous system, 
and general nervous debility ; it is useful in amaurosis and, 
diseases dependant upon want of reaction in the nervous 
system. Should be given with care, and in dose, as 
directed. Some use the strychnine, in preference, but I 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 335 

am disposed to use only the fluid extract of the nux 
vomica, as it is less liable to be taken in over-dose. 
Dose, of fluid extract, five to ten drops. 

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE. 

COMFREY. 

Comfrey is demulcent and astringent. Useful in affec- 
tions of throat, stomach and bowels, as a tonic to the mu- 
cous membrane of the whole system. 

It is good in diarrhoea, dysentery, coughs, and spitting 
of blood. 

Dose, of fluid extract, half to one teaspoonful. 

SYMPLOCARPUS FGETIDUS. 

SKUNK CABBAGE. 

Skunk cabbage is astringent, antispasmodic and narcotic ; 
in large doses it will occasion vomiting, vertigo and dim- 
ness of vision, useful in combination with sanguinaria, cim- 
icifuga and comfrey as an expectorant and healing cough 
mixture ; useful, also, in asthma, catarrh, chronic cough 
and hysteria. 

Dose, twenty to sixty drops. 

TARAXACUM DENS LEONIS. 

DANDELION. 

One of the most valuable properties of dandelion is its 
effect upon the liver, and to this it owes its reputation in 
jaundice. There is no 'doubt of its value as a mild altera 
tive and aperient, which does not weaken the system at all; 
is also valuable in affections of the kidneys and skin, and 
enters into the iris compound and cancer medicine. 

Dose, of fluid extract, thirty to sixty drops. 

VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. 

ENGLISH VALERIAN. 

Valerian is tonic, anti-spasmodic, carminative. It sub- 
dues unusual and convulsive excitement of the system with 



336 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

out narcotism. In every case where there is irregular ac- 
tion of the nervous system, uncomplicated with inflamma- 
tion, valerian is use r ulin subduing it. It is used in epilep- 
sy, mania, hysteria, melancholy, neuralgia and St. Vitus 
dance. I have never found valerian as reliable as some 
represent it, owing to the difficulty of getting a pure arti- 
cle, but the fluid extract of Hance manufacture is every way 
reliable, and will ? accomplish all that the valerian will, in any 
form. 

Dose, thirty to sixty drops. 

VERATRTJM VIRIDE. 

AMERICAN HELLEBORE, 

Emetic, alterative, expectorant, diaphoretic, nervine 
and arterial sedative. Such are the virtues ascribed to 
this plant, and which it undoubtedly posesses, but it is so 
dangerous a remedy that the greatest caution is necessary 
in its use, and on that account I have almost discarded it 
alone, and seldom use it at all. 

Dose of fluid extract, one to two drops. 

VIBURNUM OPULUS. 

CRAMP BARK. 

The most prompt anti-spasmodic we have, and is very 
efficacious in relaxing cramp, spasms, asthma ; severe at- 
tacks yield like magic to its influence. It is useful in all 
conditions where there is cramping or spasmodic twitching 
of the nerves and muscles, and for some diseases of women 
it is splendid. 

Dose of fluid extract, thirty to forty drops. 

XANTHOXYLUM FRAXIMUM. 

PRICKLY ASH. 

Alterative, stimulant, tonic, and sialogogue, producing 
a prickly sensation in the mouth, and a sense of heat in 
the stomach, more or less general arterial excitement; use- 
ful in chronic rheumatism, colic, syphilis, hepatic derange- 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 337 

ment; and whenever an alterative and stimulant combina- 
tion is required in scrofula, in anaemic patients, it is useful, 
and is often used as a stimulating wash to malignant and 
indolent ulcers. It may be given in cases of indigestion 
tor want of tonics, but when the stomach is irritable it is not 
admissible at all. I have found better results from its use 
as an alterative and stimulant in rheumatism than in any- 
other disease. 

Dose fluid extract, five to twenty drops. 

ZINGIBER OFFICINABIS. 

GINGER. 

Ginger is the most valuable stimulant tonic and carmin- 
ative we possess. Its value in domestic practice is too 
well known to need recommending. It is a pure and harm- 
less stimulant, well calculated to give tone and strength to 
the digestive organs, and, in change of water in summer, 
it is excellent to prevent diarrhoea and bowel derangements 
generally. It is useful in croup, colic, and has a happy 
effect in some cases of torpid liver ; useful in ordinary 
colds as a gentle d'ffusible stimulant. The fluid extract is 
the best form, as the ground ginger is not reliable, and the 
crude is often old and worm-eaten. The genuine fluid ex- 
tract is always the best. 

Dose, of fluid extract, fifteen to thirty-five drops. 



THE DISPENSARY. 

In the following pages I propose to give the reader a 
select list of prescriptions, which have been tried and found 
reliable in a practice of over eighteen years. Not one of 
them is introduced here on mere hearsay, but are just as 
represented. I have, in this work, prescribed fluid extract 
as the most reliable way of administering medicine ; most 
of the preparations are madei nto elixirs, and sugar-coated 
piils, but the pure fluid extract is the cheapest and safest. 



338 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Astrijigent Tonic Compound. 

Fluid ext. myrica cerif. 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. nymphaea odor 1 oz. 

Fluid ext. zingiber J oz. 

Fluid ext. Hydrastis J oz. 

Mix. Dose, thirty drops in water three times a day, 
given before meals. This is an astringent, and tonic, use- 
ful in diarrhoea, dysentery, and all cases of debility from 
exhausting diseases. 

Alterative Bitters. 

Fluid extract sanguinaria ^ 

Fluid extract hydrastis ... 

Extract alnus \ aa J- oz. 

Leptandrin | 

Angelica , J 

Add to one quart of port wine, and takeatablespoonful 
before each meal ; acts well in all blood degeneration and 
torpid condition of liver. 

Alterative Syrup — Comp. Syrup Frostzvort. 

Fluid extract heleanthemum 8 oz. 

Fluid extract corydalis 2 oz. 

Fluid extract kalmia lact 2 oz. 

Fluid extract menispermum 4 oz. 

Alcohol 8 oz. 

Syrup simplex 2|pt 

Shake well, and give a tablespoonful before each meal ; 
to this may be added J to f oz. of iodide of potassia, or 
iodide iron to the pint of syrup. 

Syrup Iris Versicolor Compound. 

Fluid extract iris versicolar 8 oz. 

Fluid extract rumex crisp 4 oz. 

Fluid extract taraxicum 2 oz. 

Fluid extract kalmia 2 oz. 

Alcohol 8 oz- 

Syrup, same as directed for the comp. syrup of frostwort; 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 339 

the same rule applies to this as to the former. The frost- 
wort is best for ulcers and inflammatory diseases of the 
skin, but in glandular swellings, mercurial poisoning, and 
disease of the bone, this is preferred, and more effectual. 
The iodide of potassia may be added in same proportions. 

Syrup Sarsaparilla Compound. 

Fluid extract sarsaparilla 6 oz. 

Fluid extract rumex cris 4 oz. 

Fluid extract menispermum 2 oz* 

Fluid extract iris ver 2 oz. 

Fluid extract sanguinaria 2 oz. 

Alcohol 8 oz. 

Syrup simplex 2J pt. 

Dose, one tablespoonful three times a day. 
Those of my readers who prefer to make their own sar- 
saparilla comp., can buy the fluid extract comp, and make 
it by adding four ounces of the comp. to twelve of the 
syrup. 

Astringent Wash. 

Myrica cer 1 oz. 

Hamamelis vir 1 oz. 

Nymphae odor ....1 oz. 

Mix and use as a gargle, wash, or injection ; useful in 
catarrh, bronchial and throat affection, also, as a wash to 
ulcers. It is best to add a teaspoonful of the above com- 
pound to a pint of water. 

Astringent Tonic. 

Fluid extract nymphia odor ^) 

Fluid extract sanguinaria can \ aa 1 oz. 

Fluid extract myrica cer j 

Fluid extract hydrastis can \ 

Fluid extract populus trem V aa J oz. 

Prunis vir J 

Brandy .1 qt. 

22 



340 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Shake well, and take a tablespoonful before each meal. 
This is good in dysentery, diarrhoea, and general relaxed 
coudition of the stomach and bowels. 

Cathartic Pills — Eclectic. 

Podophyllin } oz. 

Leptandrin \ oz. 

Juglandin J oz. 

Macrotin \ oz. 

Oil capsicum .... a trace. 

Thoroughly mix, and make into pills, with syrup or hon- 
ey — make into two-grain pills. 

Dose, one to three. These pills act well on the liver ; 
can be bought, sugar-coated and carefully prepared from 
pure articles. See directions for procuring medicines. 

The author has prepared, and used in his practice, a 
private formula, which is the best, most reliable pill, that 
has ever been compounded for family use and general 
practice. The formula is not given, bu f pills can always 
be obtained, as per price list. 

Cathartic Powders. 

Podophyllin , 1 gr. 

Leptandrin 1 gr. 

Sugar of milk 8 gr. 

Divide into eight powders, and give one everv night, and 
morning, if not too active. 

Compound Cathartic. 

Sul. Magnesia 1 dr. 

Senna 2 dr. 

Scammony 6 gr. 

Jalap 10 gr. 

Licorice 1 dr. 

Ginger 3 gr. 

Coriander 5 gr. 

Syrup of orange peel 1 oz. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 341 

Dose, one to four teaspoonsful. The syrup acts mildly, 
promptly, and without nausea. 

Diaphoretic Powders. 

Pul. asclepias tub "^ 

Pul. spearmint , I x 

Pul. zingiber [ 2 

Pul. sumac berries j 

Bayberry root 1 ^x QZ 

Skunk cabbage J * 

Mix well, and give half a teaspoonful in warm water ; 
repeat every two hours, until a free perspiration is obtained. 
Good for colds, coughs, fevers, etc. 

Diaphoretic Drops — Comp. Tinct. Serpentaria. 

Pul. Virginia snake-root ^j 

Ipecacuan ha | 

Pul. opium y aa J oz. 

Pul. saffron | 

Pul. camphor I 

Holland gin 1J pt. 

Let stand fourteen days, filter, and it is ready for use. 
This is one of the best medicines to get up a free action on 
the skin, and relieve pain and fever. May be given ten to 
sixty drop dose ; as often as required until perspiration 
is free ; useful in all cases where there is a want of action 
of the skin, and a rush of blood to the head. 

Diuretics — Compound Fluid Extract Buchu. 

Fluid extract buchu comp 1 oz. 

Cubeba \ oz. 

Juniper berries \ oz. 

Dandelion \ oz. 

Mix, dose fifteen to sixty drops in water, three times a 
day. 

Diufetic Cordial. 

Fluid extract buchu ") 

Eupatorium purp \ . 

Sambucus can j aa * oz * 

Hy d rangea J 

Cubebs J oz. 

Holland gin.,* 12 oz. 

Digest — dose, tablespoonful before each meal. 



342 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Emetic Powder — Compound Powder of Lobelia. 

Lobelia seed pul 1 oz. 

Sanguinaria pul 1 dr. 

Capsicum \ dr. 

Mix, and to a teaspoonful of the powder add a pint of 
boiling water, give wine glassful every fifteen minutes, until 
it vomits freely. 

Emolieut Mixture. 

Glycerine 1 oz. 

Camphorwater 1 oz. 

Tinct. belladonna • 1 oz. 

Mix, and apply over the region of any inflammation or 
swelling. Apply it every two hours until the inflamma- 
tion subsides. Useful in erysipelas, burns, etc., where the 
skin is not broken. 

Emolient Poultice. 

Pulv. elm 1 oz. 

Flaxseed meal \ oz. 

Pulv. soda crackers ..J oz. 

Mix, and add water to make a poultice, apply warm or 
cold. Useful in all inflammatory swellings, boils, carbun- 
cles, cancers, etc., to keep down inflammation. 

Anodyne Mixture. 

Fluid extract valerian.... .. 

Fluid extract cypripedium / *** * 

Fluid extract Scutellaria \ oz. 

Tinct. aconite fol | oz. 

Mix, dose, half teaspoonful at night, before retiring. 
Anodyne Cough Mixture. 

Lactea sativa ^) 

Prunis vir ! -, 

~ > aaloz. 

Sanguinaria j 

Aralia nudicaulus. j 

Tinct opii et camphor 2 oz. 

Syrup simplex J pt. 



\ aa \ oz. 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 343 

Dose, one teaspoonful, as often as the cough is trouble- 
some. 

Fluid extract licorice ^ 

Fluid extract inula V aa J oz. 

Glycerhiza J 

Syrup 4 oz. 

Dose, one teaspoonful every two hours, until the cough 
is relieved. 

Synip Hypophosphite Compound. 

Hypophos. soda \ 

Hypophos. calcis \ 

Hypophos. ferri \ 

Hypophos. potass } 

Syrup from pure loaf sugar 1 pt. 

Shake well, and take a teaspoonful before each meal. 
Glycerine Phos. Compound. 

Pure glycerine 12 oz. 

Dil. phos. acid 2 oz. 

Fluid ext. cinchona c 2 oz. 

Mix. Shake well, and take one teaspoonful before each 
meal ; useful in nervous debility, consumption, etc ; 
should only be prepared from pure articles. 

Antispasmodic Compound. 

Tincture lobelia 2 oz. 

Tincture valerian, Am 2 oz. 

Tincture scutillaria 2 oz. 

Bromide potass 2 oz. 

Mix, and dissolve in eight ounces of Holland gin. 
Dose, one teaspoonlul every two hours, until relieved. 

Rheumatic Compound. 

Xanthoxylum J oz. 

White ash J oz. 

Iodide potass J oz. 

Holland gin \ pt. 

Syrup simplex \ pt. 

Shake well, and take a tablespoonful before each meal. 



344 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

Nothing, in the way of a common remedy, will equal it in 
rheumatism. 

Black Salve. 

Olive oil 3J pts. 

Resin 3 oz. 

Beeswax 3 oz. 

Red lead 2| oz. 

Pulver. camphor \ oz. 

Melt the beeswax, olive oil, and resin, together, and 
bring to a boiling point ; add the red lead, stirring with a 
spatula, or glass rod, until it is all taken up by the oil ; re- 
move from the fire, and add the camphor, stirring well. 
One of the best healing salves known. 



DIRECTIONS FOR PROCURING MEDICINE. 

I would not advise the non-professional reader to under- 
take to prepare his own medicines. You can always pro- 
cure them, at a small cost, if in reach of an honest manu- 
facturer, or reliable druggist. I give below the prices at 
which these medicines can be had, and for the accommo- 
dation of patrons of my book, will undertake to procure 
and furnish medicines at the prices mentioned below, guar- 
anteeing the quality to be as represented, with label of dose, 
and name of medicine. Medical extracts should be kept 
well corked, and away from the light, or rolled in blue 
paper. I have given the dose in drops, a correct drop can 
be had by buying a medicine dropper, which can be had 
for 25 cents. Fluid extracts will be furnished at an average 
of, say — 

Per single ounce $ 25 

Two to four ounces 22J 

Eight ounces to one pint 20 

Tinct. per ounce 25 

Tinct. two ounces 15 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 345 

Syrup hypophosphites — soda, lime and iron per J pt. 1 25 

" " " per pt. 2 00 

Glycerine — Phos. comp. per J pt 1 25 

" " perpt 2 00 

All articles sent out from the Eclectic Dispensary will be 
of the very best of material ; cod-liver oil, worm syrups, san- 
tonine lozenges, worm candy, etc., at lowest prices. While 
I am willing to put myself, and assistants, to the trouble to 
prepare, or pack medicines for my friends, who buy the 
book, I cannot undertake to prescribe and furnish medicines 
at these prices ; in other words, you are treating your own 
case. In all chronic cases, except cancer, fistula, and can- 
cerous tumors, I will give all necessary medicines, and ad- 
vice, at the rates of five dollars per month, packed and 
delivered to Express Company in this city. Express 
freight on five-pound packages will range from 25 to 50 
cents prepaid, or payable on delivery of the package. All 
orders for medicine attended to on day of receipt, as near 
as practicable. 

Family Medicine Case. 
The following medicines should be in the hands of every 
purchaser of this book, who wants to save life and money, 
and be prepared for emergencies. For a family of from 
three to six — 

1 oz. tinct. aconite fol 25 cts. 

1 oz. fluid ext. asclepias ■ 20 

1 oz. comp. serpentaria 25 

1 oz. fluid ext. gelsem... 25 

2 oz. tinct. lobelia comp 50 

1 oz. tinct. sanguinaria 25 

1 oz. tinct. cannabis indica 25 

1 oz. fluid ex. dioscorea 25 

4 oz. cough mixture 50 

2 oz. worm syrup 25 

1 oz. soothing drops 25 

4 oz. diuretic drops, buchu comp 50 



346 THE AMERICAN PRACTICE 

4 oz. syrup rheL et potass 50 

4 oz. liniment 50 

1 pkg. composition .... 25 

50 Eclectic, or Dr. Salter's pills 50 

1 pkg. camphor ice 25 

With the above, costing six dollars, you will be able to 
control any ordinary attack of fever, cold, etc. The tinc- 
ture aconite will relieve pain, control fever, and quiet the 
nervous system. The asclepias will relieve pneumonia, 
get up a free action of the skin, and the comp. serpentaria 
will soothe, and stimulate the whole system. The extract 
gelseminum will control fever, relieve croup, toothache, 
etc., while the lobelia comp. will act as an expectorant, re- 
laxant, and, in connection with the sanguinaria, will control 
croups spasms, coughs, etc. Tinct. cannabis indica will 
produce sleep, relieve pain, and is preferable to opium. 
The diascorea will relieve indigestion, cramp, and pain in 
the stomach. The cough mixture will allay the irritation 
attending colds, and give rest without stupifying. The pill 
will be found the very best for general family use, harm- 
less, and mild, but never failing. 

The liniment is the very best local application to be had. 
The composition is made from the original formula of the 
botanic practice. The worm medicine will be sent either 
in the form of syrup, candy, or pills, as preferred, and is 
effectual for the purpose of expelling worms. Camphor 
ice for chaps, abrasions, and sunburn. Soothing drops for 
children teething, the diuretic drops, or fluid ext. buchu 
comp. is a good and effectual medicine in all cases of kid- 
ney derangements; the syrup, rhei. et potass, is the very 
best remedial agent for diarrhoea, and summer derange- 
ments of the bowels. It is the neutralizing mixture so 
often recommended in this work. 

With this book, a little common sense, and the medicines 
mentioned in this list, nine-tenths of the acute attacks of 
diseases, common to our country, can be controlled in less 



OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 347 

time than it will take to send for a physician. The medi- 
cines mentioned will be procured, and forwarded to those 
who may order, but if you can find them at your druggists, 
I would prefer it, as I am not in the drug business. 

Most of the articles can be had in the form of sugar- 
coated pills, and those who live remote from express, 
or railroads, will do well to order in that form, as they can 
be sent by mail. 

Orders on this business alone, should be directed to 
THE ECLECTIC DISPENSARY, 

No. 53 Broad street, 
Atlanta, Ga. 



8» Ik S1111IL H 



^§> d»t ys/t 



PROPRIETOR 



CLECTIC BlSPEJTSAEY, 



Author of several standard Books for the People. 

MAY BE CONSULTED DAILY 



AT THE 



f Hit 1W111, 



OX ALL 



FORMS OF DISEASE 

OFFICE EOUES: S A. H„ TC 9 P. M. 

Ccnsnltation by Letter or otherwise promprly atti 



OPERATION and CONSULTATION 



■% — % 



In any Part of the Conntry Solicited, 



*■ 



i% ^*% 



53 Broad Street, Atlanta, Georgia, 



LIST OF CONTENTS. 



Ablation 11 

Abscess 12 

Anchiola , 13 

Acne 14 

Acupressure 16 

Addison's Disease 17 

Adenitis , 17 

Albuminuria 19 

Allopecia 20 

Angina Pectoris 21 

Auaeinia 23 

Amyloid Degeneration 25 

Anasarca 27 

Anguoleucitis 28 

Anthrax 30 

Aneurism . . ' 30 

Aneurism of Abdominal Aorta 32 

Aneurism of Thoracic Aorta 32 

Aphasia 33 

Aphonia 34 

Apthae 35 

Apoplexy 36 

Arteries 38 

Asthma 39 

Atomized Fluid for Inhalation 42 

Atrophy 4% 

Eright's Disease 45 

Bites of Rabid Animals , 46 

Burns and Bruises 48 

Bone 48 

Bursal Swellings 49 

Bronchitis 50 

Bronchitis ChroDic . . 52 

Bronchocele 52 

Burns 54 

Cardiac Disease 54 

Cardiac Dilatation 55 

Cardiac Functional Derangement 56 

Cardiac Hypertrophy 58 

Cnrdiac Rupture 59 



11 INDEX. 

Cardiac Valvular Disease 59 

Carditis 62 

Cancer 63 

Cancer, Fissure '. 64 

Cancer, Spider 64 

Cancer, Rose . 65 

Cancer, Bone 65 

Cancer, Sleepy 65 

Cancer, Wolf, or Lupus 66 

Cancer, Black Scaly 66 

Cancer, Bleeding 66 

Caries 70 

Catalepsy 71 

Catarrh 72 

Cellular Inflammation 74 

Cephalhematoma 75 

Cerebritis 76 

Simple Meningitis 76 

Cerebral Hemorrhage 78 

Chapped Hands 79 

Cholera Infantum 79 

Cholera 79 

Chorea 85 

Coeynodynia 87 

Cold 88 

Chilblains 88 

Colic 89 

Collapse 90 

Concussion of Brain 91 

Concussion of Spinal Cord 92 

Conj unctivitis . ... 92 

Constipation 94 

Convulsions 96 

Coup de Soliel 99 

Croup 100 

Cyanosis 102 

Deafness 102 

Delirium Tremens 103 

Dentition 105 

Toothache 107 

Toothache, from Necrosis of fang 108 

Toothache, from Neuralgia 108 

Gum Boils 108 

Diabetes.... 109 

Diarrhoea, Bilious 112 

Diarrhoea, Serous 112 



INDEX. Ill 

Diarrhoea, Muco Purulent - 114 

Diarrhoea, Chronic 115 

Dietetics ... . . 115 

Diptheria 119 

Disease 122 

Dropsy , 126 

Dyspepsia. 127 

Dysentery 129 

Dysphagia 132 

Dysphonia Clericorum 132 

Ecthyma 134 

Eczema 135 

Embolism 136 

Emphysema 137 

Endo Carditis 139 

Eutropion 140 

Ententes 141 

Enuresis 142 

Ectropion 143 

Electricity 144 

Entozoae 144 

Epilepsy 146 

Epistaxis 149 

Epulus 150 

Eruptive Fevers 150 

Eruptive Small-pox -. 152 

Measles 155 

Scarlatina Anginosa 157 

Scarlatina Maligna 157 

Erysipelas 160 

Eustachian Tube 162 

Fatty Degeneration 162 

Fistula in Ano 162 

Fracture 164 

Functional Nerve Disease 165 

Gallactorrhoea 166 

Gall Stones 166 

Gastralgia 168 

Gastritis 168 

Glanders 170 

Gout • 171 

Heamatamesis .... 172 

Haematuria 173 

Haemoptysis 174 

Hemorrhage 175 

Hemorrhoids , , 176 



IV INDEX. 

Headache 178 

Headache Plethoric 178 

Headache Bilious 178 

Headadache Nervous : 179 

Hepatic Disease 180 

Hypertrophy of Liver 181 

Fatty Degeneration of Liver . 182 

Cancer of Liver 183 

Inflammation of G-all-bladder and Ducts 184 

Ulceration of Gall-bladder 184 

Herpese 185 

Hiccough 186 

Hoarseness 186 

Hooping Cough 186 

Hernia 189 

Hydrocephalus, or Tubercular Meningites 190 

Hydrocephalus 192 

Hydrophobia 193 

Hypochondria 195 

Ichthyosis 196 

Impetigo 197 

Inflammation 197 

Influenza . . 198 

Intermittent Fevers 199 

Intercostal Neuralgia 201 

Intestinal Disease 202 

Insanity 203 

Mania 204 

Monomania 204 

Dementia 205 

Idiocy 205 

Iritis 206 

Jaundice 208 

Joint Disease 209 

Knock Knees 209 

Laryngitis 5 210 

Lead Poisoning 211 

Lepro 213 

Leucocythemia 213 

Lichen 215 

Lipema ..216 

Lupus , 216 

Malaria , 217 

Marasmus. 218 

Morbid Thirst ^ 219 

Mouth 220 



INDEX. V 

Muscular Disease 220 

Myalgia 221 

Myelitis 222 

Muscae Volitantes 223 

Nsevus 223 

Nasal Polypus 224 

Necrosis 225 

Nephriti9 225 

Nephralgia 227 

Kidney, Bright's Disease of . .• 228 

Neuralgia 231 

Neuritis 233 

Night. Sweat 233 

Obesity 233 

Oesophageal Stricture 235 

Onychia 235 

Onyxis 236 

Optbalmia Tarsi 236 

Othalgia 237 

Oi torrhcea ; 237 

Oxoluria A 238 

Ozoena 239 

Parasite 240 

Paralysis 240 

Perotitis 242 

Pediculi 243 

Pemphragus 243 

Pericarditis 244 

Periostitis 245 

Peritonitis 246 

Pharyngitis 247 

Phosphatic Diathesis 248 

Phlebitis. 248 

Phthisis 249 

Purpura 254 

Pityriases 255 

Plethora 255 

Pleurisy 255 

Pneumonia 256 

Polypus 258 

Pyrosis 258 

Purpura Hemorrhagic 258 

Prurigo 259 

Rectum 259 

Remittent Fever 261 

Ilenal Degeneration. . , , . , . 203 



VI INDEX. 

Rheumatism and Gout 265 

Rickett 268 

Rodent Ulcer 269 

Roseola : 2 

Rupia 269 

Scabias 270 

Sciatica 270 

Scrofula 271 

Scurvy 274 

Simple Fevers 275 

Sleeplessness 275 

Spinal Irritation 27 (; 

Spinal Curvature 276 

Suspended Animation. 278 

Tabes Mesenterica 279 

Tetanus or Lockjaw 280 

Tanea or Porigo 282 

Tonsilitis 283 

Toothache 2S4 

Trichina Spiralis * 285 

Tuberculosis 287 

Typhoid Fever ... 288 

Typhus Fever 291 

Ulcers 294 

Uraemia 294 

Urinary Calculi 296 

Urine 298 

Urticaria 299 

Vertebrae 300 

Vesical inflammation 301 

Vomiting and Retching 303 

Whitlow 304 

Wry Neck 304 

Yellow Fever 305 

Physiology in brief 307 

Dispensary 310 



ERRATTA. 

Prescriptions are ueually made in ounces, and where blanks occur in the 
ollowing pag eg, ounces are to be understood : 

Page 161 — 4th prescription should read % ounce each. 

179— 3d Prescription should read % ounce each. 

184— 1st prescription should read ounces. 

181— 1st prescription should read % ounce each. 

189— Prescription at bottom of page should read ounces. 

213 — Prescription at bottom of page should read 1 ounce each. 

215 — Prescription next to last should read 1 ounce each. 

230— 2d prescription from bottom of page should read ounces. 

232— Prescription at bottom of page should read ounces. 

237— 2d prescription from top of page should read % ounce each. 

239 — Prescription at bottom of page should read 1 ounce each. 

242— 3d prescription from bottom of page should read jounce. 

249— Prescription at top of page should read % ounce each. 

253 — Prescription at top of page should read X ounce each. 

269 — Prescription at bottom of page should read 1 ounce each. 

274 — Prescription at bottom of page should read ounces. 

280 — Prescription should be ounce. 

284 — 3d prescription from top of page should read ounce . 



